Vessel

Babessi people, Republic of Cameroon, African

19th century

  • Titles Vessel (Descriptive)
  • Artist Babessi people
  • Medium fired clay and slip
  • Dimensions 17 3/4 x 17 1/4 in. Diam. (45.1 x 43.8 cm)
  • Credit Line Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Dick Jemison Collection of African Pottery, AFI.256.2012
  • Work Type vessel
  • Classification Containers

See More of the Collection

Hoe or currency blade
Vertical iron pole with six iron currency objects attached at top; three objects are iron hoe-blade currencies, and three are possibly rattles, hoe-shaped but open in center and with an enclosed portion that could have held percussive elements Function: Currency staffs constitute a display of wealth; if it is Fulani, it would have been owned by settled Fulani rather than nomadic herders.
Deformity Mask (Idiok Ekpo), Ibibio people, Nigeria, African, wood
This "undress" crown is a type of headgear worn by a Yoruba king on festive or ceremonial occasions that do not warrant the wearing of the most important veiled and beaded crown