Nigerian Figural Pseudo-Vessel

Nobody is quite sure what it was for. This, in the end, is the interesting part.

The figure is a terra cotta pseudo-vessel from Nigeria, dating to the 11th to 15th centuries. Sculpture of this age was usually made for ritual purposes, and much about its original meaning remains unknown. It is hollow. It stands on two long columnar legs, short arms at the sides. Small breasts and a rounded navel project from a torso covered in fine combed and hatched lines. The head is pierced with small holes for eyes and nostrils, and a wide, round open mouth gives it a startled look.

The clay is warm brown, softly worn. Fourteen inches tall. It will not explain itself.