Dogon Vessel with Arrow Motif

Nineteen inches tall, twenty-one across, and generous in every direction. This is a Dogon storage vessel, shaped in terra cotta in Mali in the 20th century.

Dogon pottery has traditionally been made by women, and wide, rounded vessels like this held water, grain and other household stores. The body is nearly spherical, the rim short and rolled. Bands of fine impressed texture circle the shoulder and body, and soft stripes of reddish slip move around the surface, which also carries a faint arrow motif. The clay ranges from pale peach to warm orange, with a small spall and light abrasion.

Set it on the floor. It needs no help from anyone.