Mangbetu Figurative Wine Vessel

Diamonds on the forehead, a ring of holes at the neck.

Mangbetu potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this terra cotta vessel in the 20th century. Mangbetu clay vessels shaped as heads are commonly associated with palm wine and with courtly display. The head is narrow and rounded at the top, with a patterned diamond on the brow and neat incised lines across the cheeks and nose. A row of perforations circles the neck.

About ten inches tall. Sharp features, soft curves. Sits comfortably between books and candles.