Lobi Footed Vessel with Geometric Motifs

Fields of herringbone stamped into clay, and a pedestal below.

Lobi potters of Burkina Faso, West Africa, made this footed vessel with geometric motifs in terra cotta in the 20th century. Pottery in the region is commonly decorated with incised and impressed patterns. The globular body has a wide flared neck, two small knobs at the shoulder and a flaring, pierced pedestal foot. Panels of fine cross-hatching and chevrons wrap the body, with a paler bird-like motif at the front. The clay is a warm, smoky brown.

About 15.5 inches tall. Handsome and weighty, a vase that needs no flowers.