Indian Butter Churn / Vessel

Grayish and dark-capped, a heavy tower that wears its grime with pride.

This wooden butter churn or vessel is from Himachal Pradesh, India, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. A churn works by agitating cream or curd until the fat separates into butter, and traditional versions in many regions use a wooden vessel and a wooden dasher. Tapered cylinder with a thick, dark rim cap and a smooth waist below. It is 24 inches high and 9.5 in diameter.

Weighty looks, and no need to explain itself.