Baganda Medicine Vessel with Snake Motif

Even a humble pot can wear its history in layers.

Baganda potters of Uganda, East Africa, made this medicine vessel with a snake motif in terra cotta in the 20th century. Vessels linked to healing and ritual in the region often carry animal imagery, and the snake is a frequent subject. The wide, rounded body narrows to a short neck and open mouth, with a raised band circling the belly and a small loop handle visible on one side. A chalky pale slip covers the clay, rubbed away in patches to the orange beneath.

About 11 inches tall, 15 across. A squat, sun-faded presence that suits a low table.