Sukuma Wood Vessel, Tanzania

Milk, water, beer. A single block of wood held all three in Tanzania.

The Sukuma carved this vessel from one piece in the 20th century. Wooden containers like it were everyday household objects, for holding and pouring liquids. Ten inches tall, it rises from a flared foot into a gently swelling body, slightly flattened on one side, ending in an open rim with a small projecting spout.

The surface is a mottled mix of deep brown and lighter tan where the old finish has worn away. The rim has been smoothed by countless hands. Honest work. Pour something in.