Les,
I've not been ignoring you, but from your description of the discovery of this bowl inside an old oxide covered bit of wood, I've been trying to remember a word, now I've got it...
... Serendipity (lucky happenstance).
I agree, a fantastic grain, tight because of the lack of our European seasons in the tropics and a a good hard wood capable of taking such a high polish. Nice shape too, I like the undercut rim.