Chamba Terra Cotta Vessel

Even a cooking pot, among the Chamba, might be given ideas.

Their pottery served everyday needs as well as ritual ones, and vessels often received relief details that set them apart from ordinary pots. This small terra cotta example, from Nigeria in the 20th century, has a round, full body on a low foot ring and a short, outturned rim.

Across the shoulder runs a raised, flattened panel with linear relief and a row of small ribbed knobs. Seven inches across. The surface is rough, dark brown to black with reddish patches, scattered pale grit and a small chip at the rim.

Humble form. Sculptural conscience.