The bowl is sculpted by hand and features shapes and patterns distinct to Laos. Laotian society prides itself on its silver craftsmanship and cultural motifs. The Laotians have a variety of regional and rural art forms including weaving, basket making, wood and ivory carving, silverwork, and goldwork. 

A major principle in Buddhism is karma, which says that actions in this life and previous incarnations determine which hierarchy of living beings a person will occupy in the next incarnation. The most effective way to improve karma is by earning merit. In Lao it means “to do good.” Laotians prefer earning merit by supporting the Sangha, a monastic community, and participating in Sangha hosted activities. 

 Merit accumulates because of good deeds, acts and/or thoughts. These good acts affect someone later in life or a person’s next life. It can also help with a person’s growth towards liberation. Merit is achievable through mindfulness, meditation, chanting and other rituals. Lay devotees earn merit by honoring others, offering service, involving others in good deeds, being thankful for others’ good deeds, listening to teachings, teaching others, and aligning your views in accordance with the teachings. This bowl, known as a “Khan Ngeune” in Lao is meant to aid in achieving merit, often by putting food into the bowls of monks.

The Merit-Making Bowl is the first gift Laos gave to the United Nations. It was given during the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the 60th United Nations General Assembly, which coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the admission of Laos to the United Nations. 

Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, BounNhang Vorachit, presented the gift to the United Nations and Secretary-General Kofi Annan accepted it on behalf of the organisation.