Vessel

Unknown

12th–16th century (?) · Terracotta · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Since the first millennium ce, skilled female potters in what is today central Mali have produced a diverse repertoire of fired ceramics, including household items, burial urns, and representational devotional works. This vessel represents one example of the various elegant, hand-modeled Middle Niger ceramics. Beyond their utilitarian form, they feature careful decorative finishes. The artists created impressed designs that imitate woven basketry by repeatedly stamping braided fibers around the vessel's exterior.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–16th century (?)

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Middle Niger civilization (?)

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Bequest of John B. Elliott, 1997