Ritual Vessel

Arts of Africa

12th /17th century

Inland Niger Delta region, Mali
Northern Africa and the Sahel

Research suggests that the ancient potters of Mali’s Inland Niger Delta region were at least part-time specialists and were women, as are the potters in the region today. It is likely that they created wares for domestic and ritual use, including figural sculptures in clay. This cylindrical vessel was likely made for ritual use considering the close attention to decorative detail that it displays and the relative rarity of flat-bottomed containers from the region. Delicately incised lines complement the raised and inset rings at the vessel’s neck and waist.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Africa

Culture: Inland Niger Delta
Title: Ritual Vessel
Place: Mali (Object made in)
Date: 1101–1700
Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: H.: 29.9 cm (11 3/4 in.)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Claire B. Zeisler
Reference Number: 1980.187
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Art Institute of Chicago, Women’s Work: African Terracotta Vessels, July 26–Sept. 14, 1997, no cat.

Pierre Robin, Arts Primitifs, Paris, by about 1975; sold to Marc Leo Felix, Brussels, about 1975; sold to the Art Institute, 1980.

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