Petite Djenné Redware Vessel

Covered in a now beautifully worn red clay slip, this petite hand-formed vessel is an excavated pot of the Djenné people of the Inland Niger Delta of current-day Mali. With a history dating back to 200 BC, Djenné, also known as Jenne-jeno, was a highly sophisticated and prosperous civilization which reached its peak in the 9th century, stimulated by trade in iron, copper, gold, rice, and salt. Likely intended for everyday use, this simple bottle-form vessel with a rounded lip reflects the skill of Djenné artisans, beautifully sculpted with graceful proportions.