This vintage vessel was handcarved from wood by the Tshi (Tshiluba) people deep in the Congo. It was used by the Tshi people for a long time as evidenced by its patina, all over the handle, sides, and rim of the container, where it was most often held. 

This vessel measures: 24 x 10 x 4 1/2" (61 x 25 x 11 cm); just the bowl section measures 21 1/2" long, without measuring the handles on the ends (55 cm)