Dogon Vessel with Fish Motif

Pale fish, or ripples, drawn on the shoulder in white.

Dogon potters of Mali, West Africa, made this vessel with fish motif in terra cotta in the 20th century. Wide-bodied jars are commonly used for water and storage, and fish are a familiar image of river and plenty in the Niger region. The belly is broad and the neck short and narrow. White lines on the shoulder, slashes and curves, suggest fish and ripples in a pale band. The clay is dusty pink to buff and matte.

About 17.5 inches tall. Calm, pale, and sure of the floor.