Indonesian Kendi or Ritual Water Vessel

Animal-faced spout with a firm jaw juts from a tall, straight neck

This kendi, or ritual water vessel is from Java, Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. Terra cotta is low-fired earthenware clay, which stays porous and is valued for water vessels because evaporation through the walls tends to keep the contents cool. The spout is modeled as a blunt animal head with a visible eye and mouth. A tall, plain neck with a thin lip rises from a round, sloping body. Dark brown surface with fine ridges and lighter scuffs. It is 7.75 inches wide, 7.75 deep and 7.75 high.

Whatever it is, it looks very firmly decided about it.