Mangbetu Massive Seated Female Figure / Ceremonial Vessel

Tall hair, chin raised, and a vessel where the belly ought to be.

This massive seated female figure and ceremonial vessel is Mangbetu, from Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is terra cotta. Mangbetu potters are well known for figural vessels with elongated heads and fanned hairstyles, a form usually linked to court display. Here a broad open jar rises from the lap, held by two short arms. The legs stretch forward, with a pierced round disc between the feet. The fan of hair is finely scored. It stands 22.5 inches high and 26.5 deep.

She seems to be waiting, without much concern, for someone to fill it.