Djenne Terra Cotta Vessel

Water, grain, a meal for someone. A pot answers the most ordinary questions.

Potters in Djenne and the inland Niger Delta of Mali made vessels in many forms for carrying, storing and serving water and food. This terra cotta example was made between the 12th and 17th centuries. The body is pear-shaped, narrowing into a tall neck with a slightly flared rim. The buff surface keeps patches of red slip on the shoulder and rim, plus dark mineral spots and earthy deposits low on the body.

Eight and a half inches tall. The surface is soft and chalky. Age does that to clay, and does it politely.