Carved Tribal Food Bowl From Nagaland - Ca 1920

This striking tall Naga food bowl from Nagaland in North East India is a beautifully proportioned example of traditional tribal craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single block of wood, its elevated pedestal form gives it a graceful, almost architectural presence, while the wide, shallow dish is perfectly balanced above.

Used historically by the Konyak and other Naga tribes for everyday dining, bowls of this kind were central to communal life. The surface has developed a deep, rich patina through years of use, with subtle tonal variations and a softly worn texture that reflect its utilitarian past. The elegant stem and open base add both stability and visual lightness, enhancing its sculptural appeal.

Today, this piece makes a dramatic centrepiece—ideal for presenting fruit, sweets, or simply as a decorative object that brings cultural depth and character into an interior.

• Origin: Nagaland, North East India
• Date: Early 20th Century
• Materials: Hand-carved solid wood
• Tribe: Konyak / Naga tribes
• Construction: Carved from a single block
• Design: Tall pedestal bowl with wide shallow dish and open base
• Finish: Rich, naturally aged patina
• Function: Originally a food bowl; ideal for serving or as a decorative centrepiece
• Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with use
• Dimensions: W34.5 x D34.5 x H34 cm