Oromo Honey Vessel with Lid

Tej is the honey wine of Ethiopia, and it shows up at celebrations. First, somebody has to keep the honey.

Honey has long been central to Ethiopian life, used in cooking and especially in tej. Generous containers like this one were made for storing it. This lidded vessel, wood, early 20th century, stands thirty and a half inches tall. A full, rounded body carved from a single block on short, sturdy feet. Two small lugs at the shoulders still hold loops of twisted fibre. A domed lid with a round knob sits neatly on top.

The wood is deep reddish-brown, smooth and glowing, with small scratches from long use.

Fill it with whatever you like. It has seen sweeter.