Djenne Ceramic Vessel, Mali

A round little pot polished to the color of a chestnut.

This vessel is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 12th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Djenne potters of the inland Niger Delta are generally known for their terra cotta, and some pieces are burnished or slipped to a smooth finish. This one is almost a perfect sphere, with a short neck and a thin, flared lip. The deep red brown surface is smooth and glossy, with a mottled, speckled look. It rests on a very small base. It is 5.75 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Round, shiny and very nearly spherical.