Carved Tribal Mortar Planter

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Description

This dramatic vessel is a genuine piece of Primitive Treenware and Tribal Art, transforming a functional grain or spice mortar … Read more This dramatic vessel is a genuine piece of Primitive Treenware and Tribal Art, transforming a functional grain or spice mortar (Ukhali) into a significant decorative artifact. Likely dating to the early 20th Century, its heavy, dark hardwood form and highly expressive high-relief carving are characteristic of folk art traditions found in remote, artisanal regions across South Asia (including areas like Orissa/Odisha). The figural motifs—often representing local deities, ancestral figures, or everyday life—imbue the vessel with deep cultural narrative. The wood is dense, and the deep-brown surface is layered with an unmistakable, heavy patina—the dark, soft luster that only decades of ritual handling and oil absorption can create. Its sculptural form is a testament to the artisan's skill and the beauty of utility.

This artifact makes a powerful statement in a contemporary setting. Its sculptural form is a perfect anchor for Global Modern or Wabi-Sabi design, providing a crucial element of soul and history that modern spaces crave.

Use it as a Tribal Centerpiece, place it on a minimalist surface to contrast its deep, dark texture and rough carving against smooth, light woods and clean lines. Or make it a Figural Planter: Its impressive siz is ideal for creating a showstopping moment. Use it to house a dramatic white orchid (as pictured), a cascade of fern, or a bundle of tall, textural grasses, turning a simple plant display into a museum-worthy vignette. Its sheer sculptural presence is enough to define an entire corner of a room.

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