Terra Cotta Bowl

Grasslands, Cameroon,
Early 20th Century

Provenance: Old American collection. Ceramic bowls are used for both utilitarian and spiritual purposes in Grassland society. This example is beautifully decorated with a series of geometric designs which encircle the body of the bowl. An anthropomorphic head with a stylized cubist body is used as a handle on one side of the bowl, while the other exhibits a circular spout. A chalky patina is encrusted in the base of the bowl, while the handle and bowl’s exterior exhibit a shiny patina from extensive handling.