Chamba Ceramic Anthropomorphic Vessel

Spiked hair, round eyes, and a gaping mouth, all in unfired-looking clay.

Chamba potters of Nigeria, West Africa, made this anthropomorphic vessel in terra cotta in the 20th century. Vessels with human features are often associated with Chamba ritual use, in a tradition where each pot is individual. The face is the best part here. A crown of small clay knobs rings the head, round pellet eyes bulge above a pinched nose, and an open mouth forms the vessel’s wide opening. The surface is a worn grey-brown.

About 4 by 4 by 7 inches. Tall, startled and slightly punk.