Vessel

Arts of Africa

Early 20th century

Nupe
Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

Among the Nupe of central Nigeria, female potters created a variety of vessels using a coiling technique. This handsome deep red example was embellished with incised and impressed designs before firing. It most likely functioned in a domestic setting as a cooking utensil or a water container. Darkened areas on its surface suggest that it was intensively used.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Africa

Culture: Nupe
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.: 1900–1950
Medium: Ceramic and pigment
Dimensions: 44.5 × 36.2 cm (17 1/2 × 14 1/4 in.)
Credit Line: Laura T. Magnuson Endowment
Reference Number: 1980.1087

Art Institute of Chicago, Women’s Work: African Teracotta Vessels,” July 26–Sept. 14, 1997, no cat.

Alexander-Suggs Gallery, St. Louis, MO, by 1980; sold to the Art Institute, 1980.

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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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.

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