Songye Ceramic Vessel, Democratic Republic of Congo

A rope of clay at the neck, another below, and arches between them like a small arcade.

This vessel is Songye, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, in terra cotta. Potters in the region made vessels like this to hold water, grain or beer, and they often carried carved ornament well beyond what function required. Its profile steps outward from a flared rim to a broad lower body and small foot. Twisted cords of raised clay bound the neck, framing carved arches and a vertical panel. Below a sharp ridge at the waist, the surface is left plain and dark. Seventeen and a half inches high and 16 in diameter.

All of the talking happens at the top.