Mangbetu Anthromoporphic Medicine Vessel

The flared crown rises high, and the teeth stay in plain view.

This anthropomorphic medicine vessel is Mangbetu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, in terra cotta. Figural vessels are associated with Mangbetu court life, serving as prestige objects and, as the title suggests, perhaps holding medicines, and the flared top recalls the fan-shaped coiffures of Mangbetu elites. Here, a long face rises from a rounded, pot-like body. Fine impressed texture fills the flared top, the cheeks and the curving shoulder forms. The eyes are narrow slits, and a studded collar rings the neck. The lips frame a row of squared teeth. Nineteen inches high.

It holds your gaze longer than most pots care to.