Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Origin not defined, the bowl shows sign of long use , the upper edge was attacked by rodents. The bowl has been repaired in the traditional way.

Originating from the Sahara region the bowl shows signs of prolonged wear, a testify how the object was used in daily life. The bowl is of exceptional finesse. A beautiful item.

Nice and rare wooden plate from Etrhiopia

An Ethiopian, probably Gurage, used wooden bowl.  This  used bowl is in excelent condition, no cracks. The bowl has a small "handle" with a hole for a string of twine as these bowls would traditionally be hung on the walls in the home when not in use. 

Interesting wooden plate from dark black wood. The plate has dark, thick, shiny and smoky patina. An extrordinary item;  a great piece of home decor. Most probably from Ethiopia.

Nice wooden plate with engravings.

Interesting wooden plate from dark black wood. The plate has dark, thick, shiny and smoky patina. An extrordinary item;  a great piece of home decor. A small, not open crack, see picture.

Small cup, probaly Gurage.

Small black wood bowl from Ethiopia.

Small black wood bowl from Ethiopia.

Splendid bowl from the Tuareg, with nice traditional repairs. Carved from an interesting bicolour (brown and yellow) piece of wood.

Nice wooden bowl, probably Gurage.The bowl has a small "handle" with a hole for a string of twine as these bowls would traditionally be hung on the walls in the home when not in use. The bowl has a beautiful dark patina, unfortunately it had a broken part which has been repaired.

An Ethiopian, probably Gurage, used wooden bowl.  This  used bowl is in good condition with one crack see picture. The bowl has a small "handle" with a hole for a string of twine as these bowls would traditionally be hung on the walls in the home when not in use. 

This is another nice wooden plate from Swat valley. It has a triangular handle on one side and a spout on the other side. Sculpted lines form the decoration of the outside face.

This extremly 1 meter (icluding handels)  round wooden plate is cared out of a single piece of wood. The largest such plate I have ever seen. Some traditional repairs, otherwise in a fait condition for its age and size.

A one-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan).

Borana milk jug used not only by Borana people but also Oromo, Somali and Gabra. This container is made from a gourd (pumpkins)  decorated with cowrie shells. Intricate basketry is present at the top,  but  the lid is missing. Inside this jug, there is an old  encrusted patina which may be from a combination of materials used in order to make the container waterproof. 

New wood milk bottle from Rwanda. Simple cylindrical shape carved out of single piece of a clear wood. It has it's typical lid, a new item but collected in 1974 in Rwanda.

Authentic old wood milk container from Rwanda. Simple cylindrical shape carved out of single piece of a clear wood. Shows signs of long use, the traditional repairs and reinforcements add a special touch to this nice gourd. Used to collect milk and store food.  Similar item at MEG: ETHAF 012230

Authentic old wood milk container from Rwanda. Simple cylindrical shape carved out of single piece of a clear wood. Shows signs of long use, the traditional repairs add a special touch to this nice gourd. Used to collect milk and store food.  Similar item at MEG: ETHAF 012230

One-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan). 

This is a unique milk container, ghorfa, from the Borana tribe collected in situ during my stay with the Borana This waterproof container is made from woven natural fiber, decorated with cowries and inside there is a black encrusted patina. Borana milk jug used not only by Borana people but also by Oromo, Somali and Gabra. The Gorfa is used to storefresh or curdled milk and making butter.

This is a unique milk container, ghorfa, from the Borana tribe. The milk that these containers hold is a symbol of abundance. The container and the milk thus symbolize the ideal combination of abundance and fertility. The gorfa is made from woven vegetal fibres and  inside there is an black encrusted patina which makes this milk jug waterproof. It is used to store frsh or curdeled milk. 

A one-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. It has nice decorations party, vanished by prolonged use, and some traditional repairs which contribute to the attractiveness of this item. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan). 

A beautiful large wooden bowl with a nice dark patina. It has two small worm holes which can easily be repaired.

A complete Turkana water or milk container with a  cover which can serve as a cup. It is in his original transport basket. A rare piece.