This carved wooden bowl was made and used by the Turkana people of northwestern Kenya. It served to hold liquids such as milk or water, as well as porridge, foods central to the Turkana diet. Its rounded shape and light weight made it easy to carry, aligning with the needs of a mobile, pastoral lifestyle.
 
This bowl includes a leather strap affixed near the rim, likely used for hanging or holding the vessel when not in use. The addition reflects the practical needs of everyday life and the adaptability of Turkana design. The bowl’s surface shows signs of long-term use, with a smooth interior and darkened areas from contact with organic materials.
 
The Turkana are semi-nomadic pastoralists who inhabit Kenya’s arid northwest. Livestock herding shapes much of 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, adaptation, and long-term use.