Teke Triple Vessel with Stirrup Handle

Three feet, three mouths, and a handle that arches like a bridge.

Teke potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this triple vessel with a stirrup handle in terra cotta in the 20th century. Joined vessels of this kind are commonly associated with storage and ceremonial use in the region. Three rounded, low-slung bodies are fused at a shared central neck, each standing on a small flared foot, and a bridge-like handle arches over them. Fine incised lines mark the center. The clay is a deep reddish-brown and smooth.

About 8.2 inches tall and 10 wide. A triple threat for a coffee table.