Altar Vessel
Early/mid–20th century
Gur-speaking peoples, possibly Lobi Burkina Faso Northern Africa and the Sahel
Burkina Faso
Across the Gur-speaking region, individuals and families establish altars to honor and commune with influential spirits. Making altar vessels is the work of highly accomplished potters. The spikes on these vessels reflect a practice that is found across West Africa. Among the Lobi, such spikes symbolize fertility, fecundity, and protection. On this vessel, a small ladle sits atop the lid, presumably for pouring substances in or out of the vessel. [See also 1998.520].
Terracotta and sacrificial material