Teke Vessel with Loop Handles

Charcoal clay, high handles, and a small foot for such a big body.

Teke potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, formed this terracotta vessel with loop handles in the 20th century. Handled jars of this shape are often associated with carrying water. The round body is dark, brownish grey and softly burnished, with tiny scratched lines. Two loops stand up from the shoulder on either side of a short neck with a plain rim. The foot is narrow and slightly worn, with a small chip that shows orange clay beneath the dark surface.

About eleven inches tall. Looks heavier than it is.