Oromo Honey Vessel with Lid

A round belly on three stubby legs, topped by a lid with a knob like a cherry stem.

This honey vessel with lid is Oromo, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is wood. Honey has long been central to Oromo life and hospitality, and carved wooden containers were a common way to store it. The body is a deep, almost spherical bowl, with flat lugs set around the shoulder. Three short feet support it. A conical lid with a rounded finial fits the mouth. The dark surface is smooth and lightly scratched from handling. It is 29 inches high and 24 in diameter.

Built to keep the sweet stuff close and the ants guessing.