Djenne Long-Necked Vessel

Built by hand, smoothed by hand, fired in the open. No wheel was consulted.

This long-necked Djenne vessel was made in the Inland Niger Delta of Mali sometime between the 12th and 17th centuries. The body is nearly a sphere, topped by a short, trumpet-shaped neck with a raised collar ring at its base. Grooved concentric bands circle the shoulder and the widest point, giving the globe a gentle rhythm. The surface is earthy gray-brown, flecked with red clay, granular with age.

Nine inches tall. It sits with a rounded, satisfying weight, like a good argument settled.