Mambila Ceramic Figurative Vessel

A long neck, a gaping mouth, and shoulder panels the color of old bone.

Mambila potters of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this terra cotta figurative vessel in the 20th century. Pots shaped as human and animal figures are often associated with ritual use. A ringed neck rises to a head with a crest, round ears and wide open mouth. The shoulders are covered with pale triangular plates edged in ridges. A central band of small beads runs to a protruding navel. The body is grey-brown with warm orange shading.

About 15 inches tall. It looks as though it is about to say something.