Nupe Ceramic Storage Vessel

Two tiers of arches, and a foot just tall enough to stand on its dignity.

Nupe potters of Nigeria, West Africa, made this storage vessel in terra cotta in the 19th century. Large jars of this type were commonly used for water, grain and other household goods. The upper shoulder is ringed with incised and ribbed bands, including a row of arches filled with fine vertical lines. A sharp carinated edge divides it from the smooth, dark lower body, which tapers to a small ring foot. The clay is red-brown, with pale highlights in the grooves.

About 20 inches tall. Substantial, handsome, and quite capable of anchoring a hallway.