Mwana Figural Pseudo-Vessel

It has the shape of a vessel. It does not hold anything. That was never its business.

This figural terra cotta piece from Nigeria dates to the early 20th century. Made in the form of a vessel but not for use as a container, pieces like it served ritual and commemorative purposes, joining the vessel shape to a human image. It stands twenty-one inches tall, eight inches wide.

The modeled figure and fired surface give it a quiet, sculptural strength. Think of it as a pot that took a vow of silence.

Put it where the light comes from one side.