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Vessel

A work made of terracotta.

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  • A work made of terracotta.

Date:

Mid–20th century

Artist:

Igbo
Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

This type of spherical pot with a short neck and linear ornamentation functioned as a symbol of rank for titled men in the hierarchical Igbo society. During ceremonies where titles were conferred, it would be used to serve palm wine to titleholders and other honored guests. This vessel’s surface decoration is unusually dynamic due to the textural contrasts between vertical and horizontal lines, and between smoothly burnished and bumpy incised areas.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Igbo

Title

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 × 40.6 cm (15 1/2 × 16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Keith Achepohl

Reference Number

2005.267

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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