Vessel
An artisanal class of men and women has been responsible for a variety of Mossi creations that enhance daily life. Male smiths work with wood and metal to create masks, sculptures, instruments, furniture, and personal adornments. In parallel, women produce ceramics in various sizes and shapes for cooking and storage that may feature customized embellishments. The bold designs applied to this vessel imitate the cicatrization patterns added to the abdomen of a married woman who has given birth. Associated with human and agricultural fertility, this vessel’s striking decoration underscores the relationship between the body of the patron and the aesthetic of her possessions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vessel
- Artist: Kurumba artist
- Date: 19th–20th century
- Geography: Burkina Faso
- Culture: Kurumba peoples
- Medium: Terracotta
- Dimensions: H. 25 × Diam. 17 in. (63.5 × 43.2 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Containers
- Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Karl G. Klinges, 1994
- Object Number: 1994.301
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Kurumba artist
19th–first half 20th century
Burkina Faso
20th century
Kurumba peoples
19th–20th century
Akan artist
17th–mid-18th century
Middle Niger artist
13th century
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