This wooden jug was made and used by the Tutsi people in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carved from a single piece of wood, it features a tall, tapering form with a narrow neck. Vessels like this were commonly used to store and serve liquids such as milk, an important part of the Tutsi diet and social life. The smooth surface and subtle variation in tone reflect prolonged use and handling over time.
 
Among the Tutsi, milk jugs were utilitarian objects but could also reflect household status, particularly in pastoral communities where cattle are a central part of life. This jug's form is designed for both portability and functionality, fitting neatly within the mobile lifestyle of agro-pastoral households.
 
The Tutsi people in the DRC share linguistic and cultural ties with Tutsi communities in Rwanda and Burundi, although shaped by distinct regional histories. In Congo, they have long maintained pastoral traditions while also adapting to agricultural and market-based economies. Household items like this jug offer a glimpse into the domestic practices of Tutsi life, where carved wooden vessels remain an important part of food preparation, hospitality, and continuity of tradition.