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Specific Techniques

Constructed using hand-coiling and pinching techniques, then fired in an open kiln. After cooling, each pot is naturally stained with burnt ochre colour.

Description

Orange-brown pot with a spherical body and spout opening. Spout is curved, with the opening angled downward; mouth is flared. There is a semi-circular protrusion along the front centre edge of spout; ridged column extends along back side of spout. There is a raised band around the spout base and it is trimmed with a secondary raised band, decorated with notches. Eight identical bands extend down from it, forming a panel covering the back of the vessel; eight additional notched bands protrude from either side of panel, circling the sides. Two notched bands connect to bands on back, decorating the front. Above the two bands, is a raised prong-shaped motif. Rest of vessel is undecorated.

Narrative

Collected by the donor in 2020 in the village of Giri (Bida Valley). They were previously owned by Mr. Obangsi Otuli Kenneth, a retired ceramics teacher living in the Benue Region.

History Of Use

Traditionally used to store water. Buried halfway into the ground, the vessel keeps water cool. Nupe women are considered to be among the best potters in Africa. Most of their pottery types have remained fairly static for around 250 years and were probably introduced after their conversion to Islam. The vessels almost always feature lovely incised decoration, though others do have anthropomorphic features.