Butter Churner

likely 19th century CE Origin: Kashmir Material: Carved wood with twisted fiber binding Design / Motif: Functional turned-wood form used in traditional butter churning systems Known in Kashmiri as Dòn-i-Tul, this wooden implement formed part of a traditional butter-making apparatus used in rural Kashmiri households. The object likely functioned as the central churning staff used together with a woven willow basket or vessel during the butter extraction process. Its elongated turned shaft and bound upper section reflect vernacular woodworking traditions adapted for everyday domestic labor. Objects such as these demonstrate the close relationship between Kashmiri craft practices, agricultural life, and locally available materials including walnut wood and willow wickerwork. Comparable butter-churning traditions survive across Himalayan regions using wooden plungers and woven containers. Private collection - Trām and Beyond

Not for Sale