Ritual Bowl
Igbo, Izzi region, Nigeria
Early 20th c
Provenance: Old American collection
This distinctive bowl is in the form of an abstracted face. Its eyes are in the form of two horizontal bands, a raised vertical line indicates its nose and the large opening represents its mouth. On the rim outlining the opening of the mouth there are two incised dots that represent the nose’s nostrils. Traversing the opening of the vessel, in a circular pattern, are two rows of raised clay cowry shells. The surface is heavily encrusted with organic matter, suggesting it received many ritual offerings and libations. No definitive research has been done to confirm the exact function of these types of vessels.
Ritual Bowl
Igbo, Izzi region, Nigeria
Early 20th c
Provenance: Old American collection
This distinctive bowl is in the form of an abstracted face. Its eyes are in the form of two horizontal bands, a raised vertical line indicates its nose and the large opening represents its mouth. On the rim outlining the opening of the mouth there are two incised dots that represent the nose’s nostrils. Traversing the opening of the vessel, in a circular pattern, are two rows of raised clay cowry shells. The surface is heavily encrusted with organic matter, suggesting it received many ritual offerings and libations. No definitive research has been done to confirm the exact function of these types of vessels.