There is something deeply grounding about holding a vessel that was hewn by hand from a single block of wood. This antique African bowl is a stunning example of utilitarian art. Unlike mass-produced decor, this piece bears the marks of its maker and its history—you can see the adze marks from the carving tool and feel the smoothness worn down by decades of daily use. Some of these bowls feature "native repairs" (small metal staples or plates), which are highly prized by collectors as they show the object was valuable enough to be lovingly mended rather than discarded. No two in our collection are exactly alike; each has its own distinct personality, grain, and soul.
Sourced from East Africa, these bowls were traditionally used by pastoral tribes like the Oromo or Turkana. They served vital daily functions, used for milking livestock, churning butter, or serving grain. In these cultures, wood was a precious resource, and objects were carved to last generations. The dark, rich patina often found on these bowls comes from the natural oils of the food they held and the smoke from cooking fires, preserving the wood naturally over time.
This bowl is the ultimate "organic modern” accessory bringing warmth to sterile spaces and texture to neutral rooms. The bowl is perfect for holding keys and wallets on a console table. Honestly, they are beautiful enough to stand alone. Stack two or three of varying sizes on a bookshelf to create a sculptural vignette.
- *Era: Antique
- *Material: Wood
- *Size: 13“(D) x 7“(H)
- *Color: Aged Wood
- *Condition: Wear consistent with age & use, blemishes and imperfections will be present. These are not to be considered defects but rather part of its character & historical value.
Found in East Africa
• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.
