Vessel - Terracotta - Mangbetu - Congo DRC

Figurative Mangbetu Vessel mid-XXth with a t-shapped nose

Height 29 cm. Red fired clay. Some restorations at the ears, the back of the coiffure, and cracks on the base ( see pictures)

Since half-XIXth Mangbetu aristocrats surrounded themselves with a wide variety of finely crafted utilitarian objects--boxes, jars, stools, musical instruments, and weapons. In the XXth century their craft became highly sought after by European colonial patrons who greatly expanded the demand for them.
African potters--primarily women--hand build a variety of vessels that they embellish with beautiful designs and motifs before firing them at low temperatures.
Containers made for daily use hold water or serve as cooking utensils. They also make vessels to be used in special ceremonies or that become part of an assemblage of objects placed in a shrine.

These works show the elaborate reed-reinforced coiffures and elongated heads once common among the Mangbetu, who in the past shaped infants' skulls by gentle pressure.

This ewer has a typical Mangbetu face and raised skull and triangular impressed designs around the neck and on the cheeks and the inscription "Marat" on the belly of this fine vessel .

Estimated age: 1940-50's

Since it is quite fragile I will not take responsibility if it damages during transport, even if I will package it with bubbles and all possible care. So if possible come take it yourself in my shop.