Mambila Ceramic Figurative Vessel

Plain and ribbed, like a nut, with a small beaded collar.

The Mambila of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this terra cotta vessel in the 20th century. Figural pots are often associated with ritual use. A small head with a crest and open spout-like mouth sits on a short neck, ringed with a thin line of beads. The oval body is ribbed and smooth, with a few clusters of raised dots on one shoulder. The surface is a plain, even dark brown.

About 15 inches tall. Restrained and the better for it.