Food bowl, Turkana people, Kenya, Wood As nomads, the Turkana people of northern Kenya produce few objects that are not functional. Items must be easily transportable and made from materials readily available in their challenging semi-desert environment. While the shapes of personal or domestic objects have been passed down through generations, there exists a great variety within these traditional forms, depending on the skill, ingenuity, or pride of the maker. The Turkana bowl, known as 'atubwa,' is designed to contain water or food. Carved from a thorn tree branch or trunk, it seamlessly combines function and art. The rounded bottom prevents the bowl from tipping over on the earthen floor of the hut, the lateral edges are flat for a secure grip, and the longitudinal edges curve inward to prevent spillage. The exterior of the bowl may be adorned with flat surfaces or linear pyrography patterns. They are typically carved in a way that reveals the tree trunk's growth rings, adding to the beauty of these objects. This understated specimen stands out for its symmetry and size. It's one of the largest examples I've ever collected. A native aluminum repair completes its personality. The smooth-to-the-touch patina of use adds a gentle quality.