Djenne Ceramic Fetish Vessel

Four raised studs march down the front, like buttons on a very old coat.

This fetish vessel is Djenne, from the Sanga area, Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 16th to 18th century, in terra cotta. Terra cotta from the Djenne region is famous for rich surface decoration, and vessels described as fetish or ritual forms are widely collected, though the details of their use remain uncertain. This one has an elongated oval body with a short neck and a pointed cap on a narrow brim. Combed lines slant across the surface, in a herringbone effect, and four round knobs run in a vertical row at the center. The clay is pale tan with grey patches. It is 4.75 inches wide, 5 deep and 7.6 high.

Ribbed, buttoned and ready for the season.