Vessel

Arts of Africa

Early 20th century

Nupe
Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

Among the Nupe people of central Nigeria, female potters created a variety of vessels from long coiled ropes of clay. A potter embellished this deep-red vessel with incised and impressed designs before firing it. Most likely a domestic tool, such as a cooking utensil or a water container, the piece has darkened areas near the base and rim that indicate its frequent use.

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: 45.8 × 36.2 × 36.2 cm (18 × 14 1/4 × 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.
Art Institute of Chicago, Critical Fabulation, Oct. 10, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, 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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