This extraordinary monumental Native American burl bowl stands among the most impressive sculptural wood vessels we have offered. Carved from a single massive burl, the bowl commands attention through its sheer scale, weight, and sculptural authority, qualities seldom encountered in surviving examples.
The bowl’s elongated oblong form, sweeping walls, and subtly asymmetrical rim reflect a sophisticated understanding of both material and function. Two opposing integral handholds are carved directly into the walls — a demanding technical feat at this scale — emphasizing the bowl’s intended use as a communal or ceremonial vessel rather than a purely domestic object. The visual rhythm created by the handles anchors the composition and enhances the bowl’s architectural presence.
The surface exhibits a deeply burnished, oxidized patina, built over generations of handling and use. The burl grain is dramatic and alive, with dense swirling figure, natural inclusions, and tonal variation ranging from warm amber to deep earthen browns. These organic irregularities are not flaws but defining characteristics, reinforcing the bowl’s authenticity and age.
Bowls of this magnitude were labor-intensive to produce and required exceptional raw material. As a result, true monumental burl examples are exceedingly rare, particularly those retaining their original form, surface, and sculptural integrity. This bowl occupies the intersection of Native American material culture, early American folk sculpture, and modernist form — equally at home in a serious private collection or institutional setting.
Dimensions:
Approximately 23 inches long x 14.5 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (at tallest handle terminal)
Condition:
Strong overall condition with expected surface wear, age-related patina, and an old repair to one handle. Structurally sound and visually commanding.