Bobo (No reserve price)
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A mid-20th‑century terracotta utilitarian jar from the Bobo culture in West Africa (Sahel region: Burkina Faso / Mali / Nord Cameroon), dating circa 1950–1975, with a globular body, short flared neck, and a small side handle, decorated with horizontal registers and geometric motifs, 28 cm high, 22 cm wide, 26 cm deep, weight 2.5 g, in excellent condition from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Type: utilitarian jar/pot
Origin probable: West Africa (Sahel zone – Burkina Faso / Mali / Northern Cameroon)
Estimated dating: Mid 20th century (circa 1950–1975)
Material: Ferruginous red terracotta
Technique: Hand shaping, deep incisions with a simple tool, traditional open-fire firing
Description
Globular jar with a wide belly and a short, flared neck, equipped with a small lateral handle integrated into the mass.
The decoration is organized into horizontal registers.
The upper part features a stylized geometric cruciform motif, probably cosmological or protective in nature.
The lower part is adorned with almond-shaped motifs filled with parallel incised lines.
Decoration entirely engraved by hand, with deep and regular incisions.
No colored slip or glaze.
Technical characteristics
Thick walls
Dense clay
Bright percussive sound
Rough, unpolished base
Internal circular marks related to shaping
Natural patina consistent with long use
No modern signature or industrial mark
Condition
Excellent overall condition
No visible restoration
Normal firing micro-fissures
Wear consistent with age and use
Probable use
Traditional utilitarian vessel (water, cereals, millet beer) or ritual domestic use.
Remarks
All characteristics (weight, firing, patina, absence of industrialization) indicate authentic traditional artisanal production and not a recent decorative reproduction.
Type: utilitarian jar/pot
Origin probable: West Africa (Sahel zone – Burkina Faso / Mali / Northern Cameroon)
Estimated dating: Mid 20th century (circa 1950–1975)
Material: Ferruginous red terracotta
Technique: Hand shaping, deep incisions with a simple tool, traditional open-fire firing
Description
Globular jar with a wide belly and a short, flared neck, equipped with a small lateral handle integrated into the mass.
The decoration is organized into horizontal registers.
The upper part features a stylized geometric cruciform motif, probably cosmological or protective in nature.
The lower part is adorned with almond-shaped motifs filled with parallel incised lines.
Decoration entirely engraved by hand, with deep and regular incisions.
No colored slip or glaze.
Technical characteristics
Thick walls
Dense clay
Bright percussive sound
Rough, unpolished base
Internal circular marks related to shaping
Natural patina consistent with long use
No modern signature or industrial mark
Condition
Excellent overall condition
No visible restoration
Normal firing micro-fissures
Wear consistent with age and use
Probable use
Traditional utilitarian vessel (water, cereals, millet beer) or ritual domestic use.
Remarks
All characteristics (weight, firing, patina, absence of industrialization) indicate authentic traditional artisanal production and not a recent decorative reproduction.
Details
No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Bobo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Terracotta
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
28 cm
Width
22 cm
Depth
26 cm
Weight
2.5 g
Provenance
Private collection
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