These vessels were used by the Islamic Malay peoples of the Malay peninsula, Singapore and Riau in Sumatra to hold drinking water. The shape of the body is based on the flattened and gadrooned shape of a pumpkin or gourd, dried versions of which originally were used to hold water. with multiple mammiform spouts, a design termed kendi susu, or breast kendi, by locals may indicate that this piece was intended more as a display object, treasured for its meaning and as an heirloom. Cast in two pieces from bronze using the lost wax method.