Djenne Ceramic Vessel, Mali

A red pot with a patch of bare clay where its skin has come off.

This vessel is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 12th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. The Djenne culture of the inland Niger Delta is generally known for its terra cotta work, from plain household pots to figures. This round bellied jar has a flared neck and a thick, rolled lip. The red surface is streaked with pale bands near the shoulder, and it flakes away at the lower side to show buff clay. Specks of crust cling to the rest. It is 5.75 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Plain, and quite sure of itself.