Indian Butter Churn / Vessel

Stout and honey-brown, with a lid-like top ring that sits like a hat.

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. Chunky, barrel-shaped vessel with a wide rim ring set above a shallow groove. The sides are a warm golden brown with scrapes and ridges, and the foot flares slightly onto a worn base. It is 19 inches high and 9 in diameter.

Built wide, worn smooth, and ready for work.