Mambila Terra Cotta Figurative Vessel

A frog on a pot, clinging on, mouth tilted up to the sky. Who could be so cheerful about a container?

The Mambila potters of Cameroon, that is who. Their vessels were made for daily and ceremonial use, and many give their containers the form of a figure or animal. This one was made in the 20th century. The creature has large, ringed eyes, and the incised fingers of its limbs grip the round body. Its wide mouth forms the spout. Raised vertical bands set with small rosettes divide the body into sections. Thirteen and a half inches tall, the surface smooth, burnished and reddish brown.

Every detail is modeled. None of it is solemn.