Nigerian Nupe Wood Bowls

Bring the artistry of West Africa into your home with these vintage hand-carved Nigerian Nupe Wood Bowls. Traditionally crafted by the Nupe people of central Nigeria, each bowl is shaped from a single piece of hardwood, then meticulously decorated with incised geometric patterns. 

Sizing (Slightly Varies)

Large: 14" to 16" Diameter, 7" to 8" High

Medium: 12" to 14” Diameter, 6" to 8” high

Small: 10" to 12” Diameter, 6” high

For generations, Nupe artisans have carved these bowls both for everyday use and for ceremonial purposes. In Nupe culture, carved wooden vessels were essential household items, used to serve food, display kola nuts to welcome guests, or hold offerings during important rituals. The striking motifs—often triangles, chevrons, and linear designs—carry symbolic meanings tied to prosperity, unity, and the continuity of life.

Today, these bowls are appreciated not only as functional objects but also as collectible pieces of African heritage. Their warm patina and unique hand-finished details make them beautiful accents in contemporary interiors—whether displayed on a shelf, used to hold fruit, or left empty to showcase their sculptural form.

Each bowl is one of a kind, reflecting the individual style of the carver and the rich tradition of Nupe woodworking.