Tutsi Food Bowl with Native Repair

Oval vessel with growth rings swirling on its side like a thumbprint.

This burnished wooden food bowl with a traditional repair is Tutsi, from Rwanda, East Africa, and dates to the mid 20th century. It is burnished wood. Repairs to cracked bowls are found in many cultures, and they generally show a vessel was valued enough to mend and keep in use. Smooth, elongated shell shape in dark brown with a lighter, concentric grain pattern. A small peg projects at one end, and a bit of pale, glittery inlay or repair appears near the rim. Edge shows a thin lighter lip. It is 16.5 inches wide, 8.5 deep and 4 high.

Looks like a smooth river pebble with a purpose.