Kongo Ceremonial Vessel with a Bull Spout

The bull pours. The small figure on the belly looks on with arms flung wide.

This ceremonial vessel with a bull spout is Kongo work from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made of low fired terra cotta in the 20th century. Kongo potters made vessels for water and palm wine, and more elaborate figurative pieces were generally kept for ceremony and occasions of standing, though uses varied. A looped handle arcs over the wide mouth to meet the animal's neck. A figure in raised relief stretches across the round body. The surface is a mottled reddish brown with a soft sheen, on a flared foot. Nineteen inches wide.

Few jugs are asked to carry this much personality.