Captivating Eastern Woodlands (Ojibwa)
Ash Burl Bowl

A Harmonious Fusion of Nature, History, and Indigenous Craftsmanship.  

Ash burl, ca. 1760 or earlier, retaining traces of green-earth paint. The peaked ends indicate (likely) Ojibwa.

Remarkably thinly hewn for a bowl of this size, with a wall thickness of less than one-quarter of an inch, a testament to generations of woodworking mastery. Accentuating its graceful contours is a delicate bevel about the rim.

Damaged in its early years, rather than being discarded, the bowl was successfully repaired by skilled hands. At least five wrought iron nails were expertly driven SIDEWAYS across the splits of the bowl, its thin walls presenting a formidable challenge. The nails were then filed flush to be almost imperceptible. The result is so subtle that one may not notice, or fail to appreciate, the motivation and skill required to return this bowl to its intended use. It’s mind blowing!

About 14 inches x 10 ¾ wide.

Notable provenance includes a private New Mexico collection, Steve Powers, Peter Brams, and Will Channing..

Note: The Ojibwa/Ojibwe call themselves "Anishinaabeg," which means the "True People" or the "Original People." Other Indians and Europeans called them "Ojibwe" or "Chippewa," which meant "puckered up," probably because the Ojibwe traditionally wore moccasins with a puckered seam across the top.