Altar Vessel Item Number: 3420/2 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Ceramic vessel (part a) and lid (part b) with a red-brown surface and raised spikes all over. The body is somewhat spherical, with a small cylinder extending from the shoulder. The mouth is rectangular, and the base has a raised foot. The lid (part b) is rectangular in shape, with the handle shaped like a human head, centred within raised spikes.
History Of Use
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.
Narrative
Tchuemegne acquired the vessel from a collector named Mr. Gora, in Makala village, Mali.
Iconographic Meaning
The spikes are intended to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft. The spikes also symbolize fertility.
Item History
- Made in Burkina Faso during 1950
- Owned by Richard Tchuemegne before February 5, 2020
- Received from Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source) on February 5, 2020
What
Who
- Culture
- Lobi
- Previous Owner
- Richard Tchuemegne
- Received from
- Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Burkina Faso
When
- Creation Date
- during 1950
- Ownership Date
- before February 5, 2020
- Acquisition Date
- on February 5, 2020
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3420/0002 a-b