Nupe Water or Palm Wine Vessel, with Base

Rust red, sage green, ochre and cream, sixteen inches of it.

Nupe potters in Nigeria made this vessel in the 20th century, for water or palm wine. Nupe pottery is known for hand-built forms and decorated surfaces, and a vessel of this shape would have held liquid for serving at home or on festive occasions. The body is full and round, the waist narrow with a ledge-like collar, the upper chamber cup-shaped to form the mouth.

Fine horizontal grooves ribbed the whole surface, painted in diamonds and triangles that each enclose dark stylized motifs. A silvery sheen lingers at the neck.

Pour something. Company will follow.