Makonde Ceramic Figurative Vessel

Part pitcher, part elephant, entirely unexpected.

Makonde potters of Mozambique, East Africa, made this figurative vessel in terra cotta in the 20th century. The Makonde are better known for carved wood and masks, though they also work in clay, and animal or human forms on vessels are common across the region. A round, heavy belly rises into a long-nosed head with small applied eyes and a rounded, hat-like top. The surface is black and smoothly burnished, with a small raised navel at the front.

About 10 inches tall. Pours well, or sits on a console and looks mildly amused.