Luba Terra Cotta Anthropomorphic Vessel

A mouth for a spout. A good idea, and a Luba one.

Luba potters in the Democratic Republic of Congo made vessels for household use and for ceremony, and figural pieces like this one were especially admired. This was made in the 20th century. The rounded body narrows into a short neck topped by a small head, and its open mouth is the vessel’s opening. Around the shoulder, a wide band is incised with triangular panels filled with scale-like patterns and radiating lines.

The clay is mottled gray, brown and red, with a lighter patch on one side. Twelve inches tall. It will take your offer of a drink under advisement.