Figural Vessel

Potters across eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon make figural vessels for a variety of ritual uses. This style, with the figure’s upturned and otherworldly gaze, is made in the Mambila village of Mbat, Nigeria, for use in the male secret society Wankya, which is widespread among the Mambila and neighboring Mfumte. An opening at the back of the neck provides access to the work’s hollow interior and probably indicates that it represents a male figure, considered less dangerous than its female counterpart. While female figures are not removed from cult houses, male ones are periodically used to pour libations of palm wine