Djenne Vessel with Triple Spout Handle

Djenne, between the 12th and 17th centuries. A city of traders on the Inland Niger Delta, and its potters were busy.

Their fired clay survives. This vessel stands fourteen inches tall, with a round, generous body. Three arched straps rise from the shoulder and join into one narrow spout. Handle and pour in a single gesture. Faint incised hatching remains on the upper body.

The clay is warm orange and buff, with earthen deposits and soft wear. It rests on a low iron ring stand.

Three handles, one spout. Somebody solved a problem here, and solved it with style.