Dogon Ceramic Vessel, Mali

Red triangles ring the shoulder like a sunrise cut into clay.

Dogon potters of Mali, West Africa, made this vessel in terra cotta in the 20th century. Large clay jars across the region are commonly used to carry and store water, grain and other household supplies. The body is wide and rounded, with a short flared neck. Around the shoulder run bands of red-brown triangles and pale stripes, above a finely stippled border. Two small dark spots mark the belly. The clay is pale buff to rose, scuffed and softly worn.

About 17 inches tall and 18 wide. Earthy, graphic, and happy holding nothing at all.