© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Michael McKelvey.

ClassificationsAfrican Art

Vessel

Possible OriginGhana, Africa

Possible OriginBurkina Faso, Africa

CultureKassena

Date20th Century

MediumCeramic

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Dimensions11 1/2 x 13 1/2 in. (29.2 x 34.3 cm)

Object number2004.016.072A/B

Label TextVessels intended to store potent medicines display marked differences from vessels intended for daily food use. This Kassena medicine container is covered with hundreds of sharp nodules affixed to the body of the vessel. While the burnished and textured surface of domestic vessels such as this one invites a pleasurable tactile experience, a medicine vessel's pointed nodules are a sculptural means of warning people not to touch them. Medicine and other ritual-use vessels are also generally covered with lids in order to protect the contents from impurities.
Exhibition HistorySpirited Vessels: Creation and Ritual in African Ceramics, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 7 - April 11, 2004
Divine Intervention: African Art and Religion, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - December 4, 2011
Published ReferencesMCCM Newsletter, December 2003 - February 2004.

ProvenanceEx private collection, United States, purchased from African dealers between 1994 and 2001.

Status

Not on view

Collections