Containers
Explore our collection of ceremonial and functional containers from various African cultures.
Turkana Milk Container, Kenya
This traditional milk container from Kenya's Turkana tribe is a striking blend of utility and artistry. Expertly crafted from wood, adorned with vibrant glass beads, and reinforced with hide, it features visible aluminum repairs that add to its rich character. Both cultural and decorative, it stands securely on a balanced base. Made in the late 20th century, it measures 57 cm in height and 18 cm in width.
Honey/Beer Container, Marakwet Tribe, Kenya
Outstanding Tripod container/vessel used for beer/honey. It features visible repair that confirms its history and usage. It has some minor crack which are natural with wood, but it is generally in good condition. Early 20th century, measurements are H 22.5 cm x W 17cm. Provenance Ex UK Collection Collection
Himba Milk Pail
Exquisite Milk pail with very rich patina from the famous Himba tribe. The milk container is not only a symbol of nourishment but also conveys the powerful wisdom of fertility and wealth. It's beautiful decorated in geometrical patterns. The container does bear visible crack which is natural with wooden objects. It is in good condition and made of wood and leather string. Early 20th century.
A Trio of Gourds, Maasai Tribe, Kenya
A trio of maasai gourds featuring geometric patterns with wonderful brown patina. One gourd is adorned with glass beads. All the gourds comes in customised metal stands. Late 20th Century, measurements are H 20cm x W 10 cm, H 18 cm x W 10 cm, H 16 cm x W 10m
A pair of Maasai Gourds, Kenya.
Two milk containers crafted from gourds, adorned in black patterns, delicate glass beads, and hide-covered lids. Striking a balance between decoration and utility, they are both visually captivating and practical. Created in the late 20th century, their dimensions are H 31 cm x W 10 cm and H 29 cm x W 9 cm, offered as a collection.
A pair of Milk Gourds/Containers, Maasai , Kenya
These beautifully crafted Maasai milk gourds showcase the rich traditions of Maasai artistry. Each container is adorned with beadwork and leather embellishments, reflecting the vibrant culture of the Maasai people. The taller gourd features a slender, elegant form, while the shorter one is more rounded, both decorated with hides and glass beads in striking hues. Leather straps reinforce the handles and encircle the neck, serving both decorative and structural purposes. Though the larger gourd has a minor crack and a slightly loose strap, both remain in fair condition. Created in the late 20th century, this set originates from a UK collection and is sold together as one unit. Measurements: H 85 cm x W 10 cm, H 30 cm x W 13 cm.
Wooden Mortar Container/Vessel Africa
This exquisite wooden African mortar showcases intricate, detailed patterns. The rim is reinforced with metal, adding character and durability. Crafted from beautiful solid wood, it boasts a rich brown patina, a testament to its age and usage. Its has visible crack along the rim, a natural features of wooden objects. Mid 20th century, measurements are H 19 cm x W 17cm.
Pair of Maasai Milk Gourd Containers, Kenya
A stunning pair of Maasai milk gourds, crafted in the late 20th century and adorned with intricate glass beadwork, leather straps, and cowrie shells. Traditionally used for carrying milk and water, these beautifully decorated containers also serve as striking wall adornments, blending cultural heritage with aesthetic appeal. Measuring H 55 cm x W 12 cm and H 35 cm x W 9 cm.
Tuareg Wooden Container, Niger,West Africa
Stunning mid-20th century Tuareg wooden bowls, hand-carved by women in Niger, blend functionality with intricate craftsmanship. Their lightweight design suits a nomadic lifestyle, making them ideal for serving, storing, and transporting food. It has rich, brown patina with some visible repairs that enhance its character. Measuring H 10 cm x W 24 cm, these rare bowls feature the star and crescent motif, symbolizing guidance, protection, and balance, adding cultural depth to their timeless beauty.
A trio of Containers, Gurage, Ethiopia
A collection of three distinct Ethiopian containers crafted by the Gurage people. The first, made of clay and rattan, features a charming conical-shaped lid. The second is a wooden container, while the third is also wooden but topped with a hide lid. Traditionally used for storing spices and butter, these containers date back to the late 20th century. Their dimensions are as follows: the clay and rattan container measures H 25 cm x W 11 cm, the wooden container is H 12 cm x W 9 cm, and the container with a hide lid is H 10 cm x W 8 cm. Sold together as a single collection, they embody both functionality and cultural heritage.
Turkana Tribe Bowl Container (Atubwa), Kenya
A beautifully hand-carved wooden bowl crafted by women of the Turkana people of northern Kenya. Known for their distinctive forms and meticulously detailed carvings, these exceptional bowls were originally created for storing and transporting food. Over time, the piece has acquired a deep, time-worn patina, enhancing its character and historical cultural importance. Made in the late 20th century, measurements are H 12 cm x W 20 cm.
Pair of Tutsi Milk Containers (Inkongoro) Rwanda
A beautifully crafted late 20th-century pair of Tutsi milk containers, expertly carved from wood and adorned with metal studs. The larger vessel (H 43 cm x W 11 cm) features bold vertical stud patterns, while the smaller (H 37 cm x W 9 cm) has a refined metallic patch with a lid enhancing its elegant design .Traditionally used for storing milk, these containers serve as both functional and decorative pieces—perfect for collectors or as a cultural statement in any space. Sold together for a unique addition to your collection.
Wooden Himachal Water Pot, Nepal North India
A stunning wooden container/pot/vessel from Nepal, originally used as a storage for water or milk, featuring a rich dark brown patina that highlights its age and character. The natural cracks in the wood enhance its charm, adding to its rustic appeal. Decorated with horizontal grooves, it carries a textured surface pattern that elevates its aesthetic. Late 20th century, measuring H 29 cm x W 14 cm a perfect blend of cultural history and craftsmanship.
A pair of Senufo Gourd Containers, Ivory Coast
These mid-20th century vessels, made from large, smooth calabashes, feature bent wood or bark extensions elegantly curving from their lids and bodies. They are meticulously stitched using a reed-like fiber through carefully bored holes, ensuring durability and artistry. Their naturally irregular shape, a characteristic of calabash, adds to their authenticity, enhancing their rustic charm and cultural significance. There are signs of wear and tear, but overall, they remain in decent condition. Measurements are H 25 cm x W 26 cm and H 13 cm x W 15 cm sold together as one set.
Milk Container (Gorfa) Borana , Ethiopia
A stunning Borana milk container, meticulously handcrafted by women using woven natural fibers and wood. Its distinctive conical shape, crowned with a rounded top, is both practical and elegant. Reinforced with leather straps, the container is securely fastened for easy transport. Originally designed for everyday use in carrying milk, it also holds aesthetic significance, admired for its decorative beauty. Made in the late 20th century, measurements are H 37 cm x W 20 cm.
Konso Gourd, Dorze, Ethiopia
Outstanding Konso gourd from Ethiopia, crafted from calabash and hide, features beautiful engraved patterns. Dating back to the mid-20th century (H 17 cm x 13 cm), it is used for drinking dana beer, milk, and storing toasted beans, often served with coffee. As a personal, valued object, it’s displayed on interior walls rather than treated as an ordinary utensil. If broken, it’s repaired by sewing rather than discarded, exhibiting genuine devotion and tradition.
Milk Jar/Container, Karamajong. Kenya/Uganda
This exquisite wooden milk jar, crafted by the Karamojong tribe of Kenya and Uganda, showcases a rich patina that speaks to its history and use. A visible crack further testifies to its age and authenticity. Made in the mid-20th century, this piece stands at 24 cm in height and 14 cm in width, reflecting the artistry and cultural heritage of the Karamajong.