Naga Offering / Food Bowl

The largest of its family, and it carries itself that way.

Naga carvers of Nagaland, Northeast India, made this big wooden offering or food bowl in the early 20th century. Footed wooden bowls are commonly associated with community meals and offerings. A broad, deep dish rests on a thick stem, which stands on a wide foot cut with open spokes in a wheel pattern. The wood is black-brown with a sheen from handling, and thin pale lines mark an old split at the rim.

About 13 inches high and wide. Fruit bowl, sculpture, or both before breakfast.