Hausa people, Kano, Northern Nigeria

14 inch, gourd

Carved from half of a calabash gourd, then colored white and black with charcoal and chalk. The orange is the natural color of the dried shell. The knot or interlocking links design is sometimes used in other parts of Africa, but is most popular in Nigeria. Muslims approve of this type of decorative art. (Masks are forbidden by shari‘a law.)

The carving is deep. Like many Nigerian gourd bowls this piece is decorative rather than functional and meant to be hung on wall. The bowl was broken and repaired. Cracks can be seen on the three final photos. None the less, it looks beautiful when displayed. I've owned it for 35 years, but it could be much older.

$600