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Figural Vessel

A work made of terracotta.

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  • A work made of terracotta.

Date:

Mid–20th century

Artist:

Mambila or Mfumte
Possibly Mbat, Nigeria or Cameroon
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

Potters across eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon make figural vessels for a variety of ritual uses. This style, with the figure’s upturned and otherworldly gaze, is made in the Mambila village of Mbat, Nigeria, for use in the male secret society Wankya, which is widespread among the Mambila and neighboring Mfumte. An opening at the back of the neck provides access to the work’s hollow interior and probably indicates that it represents a male figure, considered less dangerous than its female counterpart. While female figures are not removed from cult houses, male ones are periodically used to pour libations of palm wine

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Mambila

Title

Figural Vessel

Place

Nigeria (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 1925–1975

Medium

Terracotta

Dimensions

39.4 × 22.9 cm (15 1/2 × 9 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Keith Achepohl

Reference Number

2005.247

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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