Luba Ceramic Anthropomorphic Vessel

One side black, one side rust, split down the middle as though by a very exact sunset.

Here is an anthropomorphic vessel from the Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, made of terra cotta. Luba potters produced water and palm wine containers for daily life, and those with human features likely held a more important place at social or ceremonial occasions. A round, darkly fired body rises to a slender neck. At the top, the rim opens as a mouth, with ears and a little nose just above. Bands of incised triangles and raised dots ring the shoulder. Twelve inches high.

Nobody planned that color line. Fire seldom asks.