Large injera serving platter / tray – Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage – Ethiopia – Wood (No reserve price)
05
days
17
hours
29
minutes
52
seconds
Current bid
€ 55
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €55 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €50 | |
| €2 | |
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Large injera serving platter from the Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage, Ethiopia, timber construction, dating to the 1950s–1970s, Original/official, provenance collected in situ by the current owner.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large injera serving platter / tray – Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage – Ethiopia – Wood
Details
Origin: Ethiopia
People: Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage
Type: Large injera serving platter / tray
Material(s): Wood
Dimensions: 52 cm diameter, 11 cm high
Period: 1950s–1970s
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Description
A large Ethiopian wooden platter used for serving injera, probably from the Gurage or related highland tradition.
In Ethiopia, injera is not only a staple food but also the base of the shared meal. Stews and side dishes are placed on a large injera, and the meal is traditionally eaten communally, by hand, from the same serving surface. Large wooden platters of this type were part of this refined domestic and ceremonial food culture.
This example is especially attractive for its large circular form, raised rim and elegant stepped profile. The upper surface shows a deep warm brown patina, with many marks of use, scratches and tonal variations, giving the piece a strong sense of age and handling.
The reverse is particularly remarkable. It is richly decorated with incised geometric motifs arranged in a balanced radial composition. This decorated underside was visually important when the platter was stored or presented between uses, and gives the object a strong decorative and architectural presence.
The edge is also carefully worked, with fine notched decoration around the rim. The contrast between the plain, worn serving surface and the highly decorated reverse makes this piece especially engaging.
A very beautiful Ethiopian injera platter, appreciated for its large scale, elegant profile, rich usage patina and finely incised geometric decoration.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small cracks, minor losses and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Beautiful old usage patina.
Small later hanging loop visible at the rim.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The wooden platter only.
The transparent display support visible in the photographs is not included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Large injera serving platter / tray – Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage – Ethiopia – Wood
Details
Origin: Ethiopia
People: Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage
Type: Large injera serving platter / tray
Material(s): Wood
Dimensions: 52 cm diameter, 11 cm high
Period: 1950s–1970s
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Description
A large Ethiopian wooden platter used for serving injera, probably from the Gurage or related highland tradition.
In Ethiopia, injera is not only a staple food but also the base of the shared meal. Stews and side dishes are placed on a large injera, and the meal is traditionally eaten communally, by hand, from the same serving surface. Large wooden platters of this type were part of this refined domestic and ceremonial food culture.
This example is especially attractive for its large circular form, raised rim and elegant stepped profile. The upper surface shows a deep warm brown patina, with many marks of use, scratches and tonal variations, giving the piece a strong sense of age and handling.
The reverse is particularly remarkable. It is richly decorated with incised geometric motifs arranged in a balanced radial composition. This decorated underside was visually important when the platter was stored or presented between uses, and gives the object a strong decorative and architectural presence.
The edge is also carefully worked, with fine notched decoration around the rim. The contrast between the plain, worn serving surface and the highly decorated reverse makes this piece especially engaging.
A very beautiful Ethiopian injera platter, appreciated for its large scale, elegant profile, rich usage patina and finely incised geometric decoration.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small cracks, minor losses and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Beautiful old usage patina.
Small later hanging loop visible at the rim.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The wooden platter only.
The transparent display support visible in the photographs is not included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Large injera serving platter / tray – Ethiopian Highlands, probably Gurage – Ethiopia – Wood
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
