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A work made of terracotta and pigment.

Water Bottle

Mid–20th century

Lozi or Mbunda Zambia Eastern and Southern Africa

Zambia

With its rounded lip, somber palette, and precisely composed decoration, this bottle displays an austere approach to form and embellishment. Bottles such as this are traded into Zambia’s northwest province, where they are called “African refrigerators” for their excellent ability to keep water cool by slow evaporations through the porous ceramic.

Terracotta and pigment

Arts of Africa