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Container

A work made of terracotta and slip.

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  • A work made of terracotta and slip.

Date:

Early/mid–20th century

Artist:

Nuna
Burkina Faso
Northern Africa and the Sahel

About this artwork

The complex form of this tall and narrow storage vessel was constructed in several phases, starting with the base, which was textured with a roulette (a toothed disk), and followed by the foot. The upper half, culminating in the ribbed neck, was then built using a coiling technique. The lid was likely formed separately. The imagery on its surface includes tall staffs that may represent old iron currency; a snake; and a bush-buffalo head signifying prosperity, protection, and fertility.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Nuna

Title

Container

Place

Burkina Faso (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.

Made 1900–1950

Medium

Terracotta and slip

Dimensions

87.6 × 35.6 cm (34 1/2 × 14 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Keith Achepohl

Reference Number

2005.228

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.

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