Ibibio Medicine Bowl with Figural Handle, Based

This one has the look of someone listening.

Ibibio carvers of Northern Nigeria, West Africa, made this medicine bowl with a figural handle in wood in the 20th century. Figural bowls and ladles of this type are often associated with healing and ritual use. A tilted, softly modeled head with a scored hairline and carved ear marks sits on a short, sturdy neck. The round dish below has a white, chalky interior ringed with dark, rough-edged teeth around the rim. Brown wood shows through at the shoulders. A black metal base holds it upright.

About 13 inches tall. Soft features, firm presence, an excellent bookend to a bowl of nothing.