Altar Vessel Item Number: 3420/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Ceramic vessel and lid with a light red-brown surface and raised bumps all over. The body is somewhat spherical, with a hemisphere extending from the shoulder. The mouth is rectangular, and the base has a raised foot. The lid (part b) is rectangular at the bottom, with the handle shaped like a human head, centred within two rows of raised bumps.
Alter pots are used to contain powerful substances, which are used to summon a family’s protective spirits; the pots also protect the spirits. The spikes along their exterior prevent regular handling, to further protect them; the lid protects the contents from natural and supernatural contamination. Only made by the most accomplished potters who, because of a fear of sterility, must be over child-bearing age.
Tchuemegne acquired the vessel from a collector named Mr. Gora, in Makala village, Mali.
The spikes are intended to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft. The spikes also symbolize fertility.