Azande Ceramic Ceremonial Pot

Four ringed eyes across the brow, and no hurry at all.

This ceremonial pot is Azande, from the Central African Republic in Central Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is terra cotta. Azande figural pottery is generally linked to the courts of chiefs and to ceremonial occasions, where such a pot could serve beer or water and show rank, though the records are uneven. A long thin nose ridge descends to a square mouth. Dozens of conical studs cover the shoulders above a raised band, where incised fingers meet at a round, ringed opening. The surface is dark and softly shining. Nineteen inches high and sixteen in diameter.

You would think twice before picking it up.