Skip to Content
Today Open today 10–11 members | 11–5 public

  • Mon 11–5
  • Tue–Wed Closed
  • Thu 11–8
  • Fri–Sun 11–5
  • The first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.

Vessel (Kume Ndu)

A work made of blackened terracotta.

Image actions

  • A work made of blackened terracotta.

Date:

Mid–20th century

Artist:

Babessi, Cameroon
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

The wraparound lip and figurative appliqué pattern on this vessel reflect its origin in the ceramics center of Babessi, where all of the pottery is made by women. The form and figural decoration suggest its elevated status. It was used to serve palm wine, which occupies a central place in courtly and ritual life in the Cameroon Grassfields. Sharing the beverage enhances social relationships but also fosters communication with the ancestors, who are regularly called upon for assistance and protection.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Babessi

Title

Vessel (Kume Ndu)

Place

Cameroon (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1925–1975

Medium

Blackened terracotta

Dimensions

45.7 × 7.2 cm (18 × 18 5/8 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Stanley M. Freehling

Reference Number

1995.11

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.
Learn more

Image actions

Share

Suggested Terms