Mangbetu Ceramic Figurative Vessel

The spout is her coiffure, swept back into a flaring fan, and she wears it with a calm smile.

This figurative vessel is Mangbetu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is terra cotta. Mangbetu potters are known for vessels topped with heads showing the elongated skull and fan-shaped coiffure long associated with Mangbetu ideals of elegance. The round body is incised with stippled triangular panels, and a beaded collar circles the long neck. The face has narrow eyes, a broad nose and an open mouth showing teeth. A strap handle loops from the back of the head to the shoulder. It is 8 inches wide, 9 deep and 13.5 high.

Hair and spout, sensibly combined.