Old wood chapati bowl from India carving and some original remaining paint

  
A large wooden bowl, measuring 25 1/4" in extreme length, and 21" across the waist, and 3 3/4 high, weighing 7 pounds, hand made, with chiseling marks, and fern-like fine design carved neatly into the points. When I first encountered this unusual item, in New York City, I thought the origin possibly Native American from Canada or the northeastern USA, or, at least American folk art origin, but this has now been identified as a "chapati" bowl from India. The bowls, often with this shallow depth and six points, are utilized in the making of various Indian flatbreads, a diet staple in India.

Two old long major cracks have been carefully repaired/reinforced with metal strips, as shown in the photos. Also, there is some remnant of old red paint on the side and also a bit inside the bowl.

This piece has great character and obvious age and craftsmanship. As a table centerpiece holding fruit or nuts, it would make for a real conversation piece.