Vessel

Senufo people, Côte d'Ivoire, African

Mid 20th century

  • Titles Vessel (Descriptive)
  • Medium fired clay and slip
  • Dimensions 19 3/4 x 16 1/2 in. Diam. (50.2 x 41.9 cm)
  • Credit Line Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Dick Jemison Collection of African Pottery, AFI.303.2012
  • Work Type vessel
  • Classification Containers

See More of the Collection

Janus Head and Chest, Koma culture, Ghana, Sisili/Kulpawn River Basin, Northern Ghana, African, fired clay and slip
Vessel topped with female head has narrow, cylindrical spout and strap handle. Head has three rows of plaits, closed coffee-bean eyes, nose and mouth. Body and shoulder of vessel have three registers of decoration, consisting of alternating triangles and diamonds.
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.
Barbed hook