Mangbetu Ceramic Figurative Vessel

A long neck, a lifted chin and arms that loop round to become handles.

This figurative vessel is Mangbetu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. Figurative pots from the Mangbetu region are generally admired for the way they merge the human body with the vessel, turning a practical form into a portrait of sorts. Here the head rises on a tall, slender neck, with small ears and an upturned face. The arms curve out from the shoulders as open loops, then rest against a rounded belly with small breasts and navel, set on a short flared foot. It is 9 inches wide and 10.5 high.

Dignified posture, from neck to foot.