Songye Ceramic Vessel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Rings upon rings, as though the pot kept adding lines to make sure.

This vessel is Songye, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, made in the 20th century of terra cotta. In Central Africa, vessels of this kind generally stored water, grain or beer for home and community use, and ribbed, incised ornament was common. Its wide mouth sits over a stack of raised ribs. A carved band of wedges circles the neck above a heavy, rounded shoulder. The lower body widens, then draws in to a flat base, with faint arches barely visible on its dark surface. Sixteen and a half inches high and 15 in diameter.

The broad rim looks ready for something. It has not said what.