This hand-carved wooden bowl originates from the Turkana people of northwestern Kenya. Shaped from a single piece of wood, it was traditionally used to hold milk, water, or porridge, which are key staples in Turkana daily life.
 
The visible repair stitching along the side, using plant fiber or leather cord, reflects the practical and resourceful nature of Turkana craftsmanship. Rather than discard a broken bowl, it would be carefully mended and returned to use. This preservation of utility reflects the value placed on function, longevity, and sustainability within a nomadic lifestyle.
 
The bowl retains traces of its original use, including a slightly sticky surface and faint organic scent, adding to its authenticity. Its form and wear offer insight into the cultural traditions of Turkana pastoralism, where such objects play an essential role in daily survival and continuity.
 
The Turkana are semi-nomadic pastoralists who rely heavily on cattle, goats, and camels for their livelihood. Living in remote regions, their material culture is built around mobility, resilience, and function. Everyday objects like this bowl are not only practical tools, but also reflections of a community deeply connected to land, tradition, and survival.