Kuba Ceramic Water Vessel

The face is the bowl, and it looks mildly surprised.

Kuba potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, shaped this water vessel in black terra cotta in the 20th century. Anthropomorphic pots appear in several Central African traditions and were commonly made to hold water or other liquids. Here the round body is modeled as a human head, with closed, incised eyes, a flat nose, a small mouth and prominent ears. A low, notched rim crowns the top. The surface is dark and matte, with fine scratches and subtle burnishing.

About ten inches wide. A conversation piece that listens better than it talks.