Vintage Hand-Painted West African Calabash Bowl – Celestial Turtle Motif

Description
A large, authentic hand-carved and hand-painted decorative gourd bowl. This piece features vibrant primary colors of indigo blue, ochre yellow, and terracotta red against a whitewashed ground. The exterior is adorned with a repeating pattern of stylized animal figures (turtles or tortoises) and geometric linework radiating from a central floral/solar medallion. Traditionally used for storage or ceremonies, this piece now serves as a bold statement of global folk art.
Product Specifications
Size: 13" Diameter x 6.5" Height
Weight: Approx. 1.2 – 1.8 lbs (Lightweight natural gourd material)
Material: Dried Natural Gourd (Calabash), Pigment, Gesso/Whitewash
Condition: Good - Vintage/Antique 
Structural: The gourd is intact with no major collapses. There is a visible, stable hairline crack near the base rim (see IMG_4986), which is common for aged organic materials.
Surface: Notable "scuffing" and pigment loss throughout, particularly on the blue figures and the top medallion, adding to its authentic aged character.
Repair: There appears to be a small traditional "stitch" or wire repair/reinforcement near the crack on the bottom rim, typical of pieces used in a functional context.