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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