Origin: Dorze people Country: Ethiopia Material: Calabash Height: 34 cm Provenance: Collected locally by the owner in the 1990s Presumed age: Mid-20th century An elegant and authentic example of a functional household object, shaped by daily use and time. The Dorze, a small ethnic group of the Gamo Gofa Zone in southern Ethiopia, live mainly in villages near Chencha and Arba Minch. While they are best known for their monumental woven houses and textiles, they also produce refined utilitarian objects from natural materials. This tall calabash container was traditionally used for storing milk. Its elongated form, balanced proportions, and finely engraved surface reflect a strong sense of design rooted in everyday practice. The absence of a leather handle emphasizes the purity of the form and the sculptural quality of the vessel. The surface displays a deep, warm patina developed through long use, giving the object a quiet presence and a tactile beauty. Beyond its original function, this container stands today as a compelling example of Dorze craftsmanship and the aesthetic intelligence of vernacular African design. Highlights - Tall Dorze milk container in calabash - Finely engraved surface - Warm and deep patina of use - Elegant elongated proportions - Collected in situ in the 1990s - Authentic functional object from southern Ethiopia