Traditional Rwandan jugs

These two wooden jugs originate from Rwanda, where such vessels were essential in both domestic and ceremonial contexts — used to hold milk, sorghum beer, or water, each symbolizing nourishment and hospitality. Carved by hand from a single block of wood, their slender, tapering silhouettes reveal a balance of functionality and sculptural elegance.
The subtle irregularities and variations in tone speak to their long use, while the visible metal repairs tell an even more profound story. In Rwandan culture, a vessel was not discarded when it cracked; it was patiently restored, often with small hand-forged metal staples. This careful mending was considered an act of respect, acknowledging the object’s value and extending its life. Each repair became a mark of continuity — transforming utility into memory, and imperfection into beauty.
Over decades of use, the wood developed a deep patina, absorbing the traces of hands and rituals that shaped it. Today, these jugs transcend their original function, standing as testimonies to resilience and care, and as sculptural objects whose quiet presence bridges craft, culture, and time.
 
Base diameter ca 16 cm
H 41,5 cm
 
Base diameter ca 15 cm
H 39,5 cm
 
Sold as a pair