This carved wooden bowl was made and used by the Turkana people of northwestern Kenya. It held liquids such as milk or water, as well as porridge, foods central to the Turkana diet. Its compact form and attached cloth made it easy to transport or hang, supporting a mobile, pastoral lifestyle.
 
The cloth-wrapped cord affixed to the side was likely used for carrying or securing the bowl during travel. The fabric may also reflect a personal or practical adaptation. A metal plate has been added to the base, possibly as a repair or reinforcement, which is an example of the functional modifications these objects often underwent to extend their use. The surface shows signs of long-term use, including a smooth interior and discoloration from contact with organic materials.
 
The Turkana are semi-nomadic pastoralists living in Kenya’s arid northwest. Livestock herding shapes their economic and social life, and their material culture reflects values of resilience, mobility, and function. Bowls like this one are essential tools that also carry cultural meaning through their design, maintenance, and continued use.