Origin: Tuareg or Fulani people Country: Niger Material: Wood, aluminum Dimensions : 33.5 x 32 x 18 cm Presumed age: Mid-20th century Provenance: Ex private collection Wall mount added for display (contemporary) An elegant and timeworn wooden bowl from Niger, attributed to either the Tuareg or Fulani people, distinguished by its deep patina, graphic incised decoration, and vernacular repairs. Such bowls were traditionally carved from lightweight local wood and used in daily life for preparing and serving food, particularly within nomadic or semi-nomadic communities. The abstract geometric motifs incised on the surface reflect a highly developed sense of rhythm and balance, passed down through generations of artisans. Of particular interest are the indigenous aluminum staple repairs, discreetly applied to stabilize cracks formed through long use. Far from detracting from the object, these repairs enhance its sculptural presence and testify to a culture of repair, care, and continuity, where objects were valued and preserved rather than discarded. The wood has developed a dark, lustrous patina, consistent with age and repeated handling. A small contemporary attachment allows the bowl to be displayed on a wall, revealing its strong graphic qualities. A fine example of a utilitarian object transformed by time into a powerful ethnographic and aesthetic artifact. Highlights - Tuareg or Fulani wooden bowl - Niger, mid-20th century - Incised abstract decoration - Vernacular aluminum repairs - Deep, dark patina of use - Culture of repair and durability - Sculptural presence