Bongo Ceramic Water Vessel

Two ear-like handles, one small knob in front and a shine like polished stone.

This water vessel is Bongo, from South Sudan, East Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. In much of East and Central Africa, water jars were often burnished and smoked to a dark finish, which helped seal the clay and keep the water cool. The rounded body narrows to a tall, flared neck circled by a band of fine incised rings. Two loop handles stand out at the shoulders, and a small rounded knob sits on the front. The black surface is glossy in places. It is 12.25 inches high and 9 in diameter.

Practical, handsome and in no rush to spill.