Mambila Ceramic Figurative Vessel

Part vessel, part creature, and it would rather you did not hug it.

This figurative vessel is Mambila, from Cameroon, made in the 20th century of terra cotta. Mambila artists are best known for figures tied to rites protecting the community, and their pottery can take on the same human and animal character. A round body bristles with hundreds of small points, with traces of blue pigment. Two short limbs rest at the shoulder, below a tall plain neck. The neck ends in an open mouth with small ears and projections at the sides. Twenty-four inches high and 15 across.

Mouth open, saying nothing.