Skip to Content
Today Open today 11–5

  • 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.

Water or Palm Wine Container

A work made of terracotta.

Image actions

  • A work made of terracotta.

Date:

Early/mid–20th century

Artist:

Nupe or related tradition
Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

The Nupe make pottery in a region that is rich in interrelated ceramic traditions. This may in part explain the great diversity of forms, but it also makes it difficult at times to distinguish the origins of a piece based solely on its style. This bottle may have come from north of the Nupe region. Its body has a distinctive shape, like two bowls set together and joined at midpoint. From this base rises a narrow, columnar neck with a flared mouth. Deep channels of linear incising are drawn over the surface in alternating directions, giving it a dynamic texture.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Nupe

Title

Water or Palm Wine Container

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 1900–1950

Medium

Terracotta

Dimensions

43.2 × 31.8 cm (17 × 12 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Keith Achepohl

Reference Number

2005.244

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