Large Monoxyl Wooden Bowl – Ethiopia – Oromo / Gurage Attribution – 30 cm Origin: Ethiopia People / Attribution: Probably Gurage or Oromo Type: Large traditional wooden bowl Material: Dense hardwood, carved from a single block Dimensions: 30 × 28 × 13 cm Weight: 1.7 kg Period: Presumably 1950s–1960s Provenance: Personally collected in Ethiopia by the present owner in the early 1990s A remarkable large Ethiopian wooden bowl, distinguished by its massive construction, powerful hand-carved surfaces and exceptionally rich, dark patina. Carved from a single block of very dense hardwood, the bowl measures approximately 30 cm across and weighs an impressive 1.7 kg. Its thick walls and broad, slightly irregular conical profile give the object a strikingly robust, almost brutalist character. The most remarkable feature is the extraordinary texture of the wood. The interior and exterior retain numerous visible carving marks, forming an irregular, almost mosaic-like surface, softened by decades of handling and use. The deeply developed patina ranges from warm dark brown to almost black, with subtle variations in tone and areas of smooth polish contrasting with the rougher carved surfaces. The interior is particularly expressive, with a slightly raised circular area at the bottom and a dense network of irregular tool marks and surface checking across the surrounding walls. A small integral projection on the rim adds an understated functional detail to the otherwise simple circular form. The underside reveals a broad, flattened circular base, worn smooth through prolonged contact with supporting surfaces. The contrast between the vigorous, almost raw carving and the beautifully mellowed patina gives the bowl an exceptional tactile and sculptural presence. An especially attractive example of Ethiopian functional art, whose powerful simplicity and expressive surface treatment evoke certain qualities of modern brutalist sculpture. Cultural context Wooden bowls and vessels form an important part of the traditional domestic equipment of Ethiopia, particularly among communities of the central and southern highlands. Among the Gurage, Oromo and neighbouring peoples, hand-carved wooden containers were used for preparing, handling and serving food. Often carved from substantial pieces of hardwood, these objects demonstrate the close relationship between material, craftsmanship and everyday function. Some traditional Gurage bowls feature small lateral projections, occasionally pierced to allow the vessel to be suspended when not in use. The present example shares certain formal characteristics with these traditions, although its precise ethnic attribution and original domestic function remain undocumented. Its remarkably heavy construction, visible carving marks and deeply softened surfaces bear witness to the expressive qualities of traditional utilitarian woodworking. A Personal Note There is something gloriously brutalist about this bowl. Thick walls, visible carving marks, an almost stubborn refusal of delicacy. And yet, decades of handling have softened its surfaces into a wonderfully tactile patina. We love this apparent contradiction: an object that looks as though it was carved with determination and polished with patience. Condition Good overall condition for an object of this presumed age, with extensive old surface wear, scratches, abrasions, small edge irregularities and numerous fine fissures and areas of surface checking. The wood retains its remarkable dark patina and richly textured hand-carved surfaces. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Included The wooden bowl only. The transparent photographic support is not included in the sale.