Lobi Lidded Vessel with Loop Handles

Pebbled like river rock and fitted with two ears for carrying.

Lobi potters of Burkina Faso, West Africa, made this lidded vessel with loop handles in terra cotta in the 20th century. Lobi pottery is often used for storage, and for ritual purposes tied to household shrines. The lower body is smooth, rounded and dark gray, and the upper half is covered with closely packed, hand-pressed knobs. Two loop handles sit at the shoulder, and a wide open mouth shows at the top. The clay is gray-brown and dry.

About seven inches high and nine and a half wide. Textured, sturdy and perfectly happy on a coffee table.