ClassificationsAfrican Art

Vessel

Place CreatedBurkina Faso, Africa

CultureTusyan

Date20th Century

MediumCeramic

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Dimensions17 in. (43.2 cm)

Object number2004.016.079

Label TextTusyan pots are noted for their fine symmetrical shapes and delicate surface patterning. This vessel illustrates the use of several types of pre-firing decoration techniques. The lip and narrow bands around the neck of the vessel are burnished to a high glossy sheen, in contrast to the incised and rouletted patterns that cover most of the vessel. Two kinds of roulettes are used here: a carved wooden wheel roulette formed the delicate zigzag patterns contained within horizontal and diagonal bands. Woven fibers rolled in alternating directions make the coarser "herringbone" pattern.
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

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