Wooden ladle

Carved wooden ladle, one piece and stained. Spiral decoration for handle end.

Likely carved in Petawawa Internment Camp. It is unlikely that the carver was Antonio Olivieri due his very brief internment period. Perhaps the carver was Donato Olivieri, Antonio's brother, who was interned for two years and eight months.  Unclear if the ladle was actively used or served a non-utilitarian purpose.

Both Olivieri brothers were influential members of the Italian Canadian community in Hamilton and actively involved with the Order Sons of Italy.

Many internees brought wooden objects home to their families, including elaborate ships, mirrors, painted reliefs, jewellery boxes and serving trays. Letters from the camps relate how many of the men occupied their time by carving wood.