Mambila Ceramic Figurative Vessel

Chin tucked, hands crossed, and the whole belly covered in points.

Cameroon, Central Africa, is where Mambila potters made this terra cotta vessel in the 20th century. Figurative pots of this kind are often associated with ceremony. A seated figure with a high crest and open mouth folds its arms across the chest, outlined in a red-painted line. Below the waist, the body is covered with sharp conical studs like a durian, with a pale band between.

About 14 inches tall. Not for the faint-hearted, and good company anyway. Fine on a table, better on a pedestal.