ClassificationsAfrican Art

Pot

Place CreatedNigeria, Africa

CultureNupe

Date20th Century

MediumCeramic

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Dimensions13 in. (33 cm)

Object number2004.016.039

Label TextThe surface of this cooking vessel is covered with calligraphic patterning that is characteristic of the Nupe style. Potters draw on a shared decorative vocabulary of incised bands, crescents, diamonds, and zigzags, but configure them in unique ways for each vessel. There is considerable variety in the quality of line used to create the decorations ranging from controlled patterns, thicker, deeper lines the free-form gestural styles seen here. Such variations in surface design reflect the work of different groups of potters, each of whom specialize in the production of particular types of vessels.
Exhibition HistorySpirited Vessels: Creation and Ritual in African Ceramics, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 7 - April 11, 2004

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

Status

Not on view

Collections