Teke Vessel with Loop Handles

Two handles, one belly, and a smudge like a fire’s thumbprint.

Teke potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, formed this terracotta vessel with loop handles in the 20th century. Footed jars of this sort were commonly used to carry or store liquids such as water. The orange-red body swells wide under a tall neck, with scratched diagonal lines across the shoulder. Two dark firing clouds mark the belly, and a flared pedestal foot keeps it level. The loops rise from the shoulder like handles on an amphora.

About eleven inches tall. Fine alone on a table.