Teke Vessel with Strap Handle and Fish-Scale Motif

Pale fish scales trail across a red-brown belly of clay.

Teke potters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this vessel with a strap handle and fish-scale motif in pottery, dated in the record to the 18th or 19th century. Vessels like this are commonly associated with carrying and storing water or drink, and decoration often appears on the shoulder. The body is wide and carinated, set on a flared foot, with a tall neck above. A flat strap handle loops from rim to shoulder. Incised scale-like lines mark the shoulder, and the surface shows a warm, rubbed terracotta color.

About 8 inches tall. Quietly old, and at ease with being looked at.