Figurative Vessel

Matakam people, Republic of Cameroon or Chad, African

19th or 20th century

  • Titles Figurative Vessel (Descriptive)
  • Artist Matakam people
  • Medium fired clay and slip
  • Dimensions 5 3/8 x 4 1/2 in. (13.7 x 11.4 cm)
  • Credit Line Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Dick Jemison Collection of African Pottery, AFI.68.2012
  • Work Type vessel
  • Classification Containers

See More of the Collection

Carved wooden mask with mud packed fiber wig and woven neck piece. Mask used in initiation ritual.
geometric design
Short robe of dark khaki cotton with crew neck and butterfly sleeves, the entire garment is hand embroidered with red, yellow, beige and blue cotton threads in a pattern consisting of wave-pattern bands at the waist and neck as well as along the sleeves and hem, within the bands is a pattern of irregularly-shaped organic elements, or gongs, and crescent shapes interspersed with diamonds and triangles.
Globular reddish tripod vessel has broad mouth and raised bands delineating registers of incised zig-zags and impressed patterns; prominent raised ovals on each register.