Bambara Terra Cotta Wedding Vessel

Weddings in Mali call for the best pot in the house. Bambara women have long known which one.

Bambara potters, traditionally women, shape vessels by hand for water and grain, and finely finished pots have been made for occasions like weddings. This one, 20th century, stands sixteen inches tall and as wide, with a full, rounded body and a flaring rim. The upper half wears a glossy red slip, ridged bands, dotted zigzags and two small bosses at the shoulder. The lower half is pale clay, rouletted on the diagonal.

Half dressed for the occasion. Half honest clay.