Teke Vessel with Loop Handles

Dotted shoulders, faceted corners, and a dark skirt.

Teke potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this terracotta vessel with loop handles in the 20th century. Vessels of this type were commonly made for carrying water, palm wine or oil. The shoulder is faceted and densely covered in tiny stamped dots, while the lower body goes dark brown to black. A polygonal neck rises between two loop handles, and the surface shows fine wear where the red clay shows through. A short flared foot grounds it.

About eleven inches tall. Detail rewards the second glance.