This Tutsi milk jug from Rwanda is made from a single piece of wood, shaped into a smooth and fluid form. The jug features metal inlays throughout the piece, creating a striking contrast against the natural wood. The warm wood color combined with the metal accents gives the piece both beauty and practicality.

The Tutsi people traditionally used the jug to store milk or other liquids. The metal pieces were likely added to prevent leaks, reinforcing the wood and helping preserve the jug’s functionality over time. What started as a practical solution to preserve the piece eventually became a defining feature of these jugs, adding a unique touch to their design.

The Tutsi people are native to Rwanda and the surrounding Great Lakes region, and they are known for their skill in wood carving and metalworking. Their craftsmanship blends form and function, with objects like this milk jug serving practical purposes. The Tutsi have a rich history deeply connected to their traditions, including oral storytelling and other practices passed down through generations.