Nupe Carved Vessel

The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. This water vessel is a particularly fine example of their mastery. While most such items feature a small number of designs, the intricately interwoven bands, ridges, and dimples mark this as a vessel of particular import. The result is a rich landscape of hand-wrought designs. The textural combinations and robust form create a piece of provincial sculpture.