Mangbetu Figurative Wine Vessel

A wide grin under a flared crown, with plenty of dark polish.

This figurative vessel was made in terra cotta by Mangbetu artists of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, in the 20th century. Vessels of this kind are commonly linked to the Mangbetu court and to serving palm wine. The head tapers upward into a flared, finely textured crown. The face has a broad smile and small, clear features. Below, a necklace band sits above a rounded belly of crisscrossed lines, with a hint of shine on the darkened surface.

About twelve inches tall. Good company at the sideboard.