Bidspirit auction | Tuareg Incised Wooden Milk Bowl,

Tuareg Incised Wooden Milk Bowl, Niger - 12x7.5. Large cracks and repairs. A hand-carved hardwood vessel attributed to the Tuareg or Hausa people of Niger. The bowl is of deep hemispherical form with a slightly thickened rim. The exterior surface is extensively decorated with incised geometric motifs organized into horizontal registers. These patterns include equal-armed crosses, panels of vertical and diagonal hatching, and zig-zag bands. The vessel features an integral small loop handle on one side and a darkened, raised resinous circular patch on the opposite side, likely a traditional repair for a knot or inclusion in the timber. The dark brown surface displays a smooth patina from handling, and the interior shows significant dark staining consistent with long-term use for milk or food storage.