{"product_id":"extra-large-vintage-fulani-calabash-bowl-tummude-indigenous-repairs-gourd","title":"Extra Large Vintage Fulani Calabash Bowl Tummude Indigenous Repairs Gourd","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Magnificent, Deeply Symbolic Artifact of West African Pastoral Life\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an exceptionally compelling, extra-large antique vessel, strongly attributed to the Fulani (or Fulbe) nomadic pastoralists of West Africa (spanning regions like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger). This particular bowl is a generously sized Tummude, historically essential for Fulani women for collecting, storing, and carrying milk or curds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece stands out for its profound history and condition, characterized by an intensely blackened, well-used patina, rich pyro-engraved geometric decoration, and visible indigenous repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eItem Details \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis antique Milking\/Storage Bowl (Tummude) is crafted from a Dried Calabash Gourd Shell and decorated using pyro-engraving (burning) techniques. It is a highly desirable antique piece, likely dating to the Early to Mid-20th Century or Older.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts dimensions are substantial: 7.5 inches in height and 14 inches in diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bowl is in primitive, used condition. It exhibits a rich, dark, multi-toned patina from years of handling and oiling, especially concentrated around the crown. The prominent fissure across the top is indigenously repaired with stitching (visible as small holes along the crack in the photos, sometimes containing remnants of fiber or staples). This repair technique confirms the bowl was considered irreplaceable by its owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCultural And Historical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTummude: A Symbol of Wealth and Womanhood\u003cbr\u003eAmong the nomadic Fulani, whose livelihood revolves around their cattle herds, milk bowls like this (Tummude) were essential tools and profound symbols of wealth, health, and a woman’s industry. They symbolized the life-sustaining work of the women (who milked and marketed the curds) and were often inherited as valuable assets. The extra-large size of this bowl suggests a substantial capacity, likely used for long-distance transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Art of Pyro-Engraving\u003cbr\u003eThe bowl features extensive finely incised and pyro-engraved geometric patterns across its surfaces. This complex, abstract ornamentation is the cornerstone of Fulani visual art, reflecting their aesthetic standards (Pulaaku). The contrasting dark marks against the lighter gourd are created by burning lines into the surface with a heated blade—a testament to the skill of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimitive Ingenuity and Value Preservation\u003cbr\u003eThe presence of the primitive repair stitching is a defining and celebrated feature. In many African cultures, such mended cracks are not viewed as flaws, but as marks of history, resilience, and affection for the object, confirming the bowl was considered too valuable to discard. The repair showcases traditional African folk art resourcefulness—an aesthetic often called \"make-do\" or Wabi-Sabi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful, tactile piece of West African history—a true artifact that tells the story of nomadic life, tradition, and enduring value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure this magnificent, extra-large antique Fulani Tummude with its authentic primitive repairs for your collection today!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049641898270,"sku":"BA-1125","price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7334042825_cl4h.jpg?v=1790372322","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/extra-large-vintage-fulani-calabash-bowl-tummude-indigenous-repairs-gourd","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}