Nupe Terra Cotta Water Vessel

Clay sweats. That is the whole trick of it.

Nupe potters in central Nigeria, traditionally women, built large vessels by hand for storing water, and the porous fired clay let a little evaporate, keeping the contents cool. This one, made in the 20th century, is a broad round jar fourteen inches high and wide, with a short neck and a thick, rolled rim.

Incised lines, zigzags, chevrons and small hatched triangles ring the shoulder in close rows, fading toward the base. Warm brown above, smoky gray below, a few pale chips at the belly.

Cool water, courtesy of patience.