Jar
Early/mid–20th century
Yoruba Osogbo or vicinity, Nigeria Coastal West Africa
Nigeria
The potters in and around the town of Osogbo are known for their tall, cylindrical jars. This elaborately decorated vessel features a human face at the midpoint of its long neck, which suggests that it was made for a shrine dedicated to the goddess Osun (Mother of Life-Giving Waters), the namesake of the river near Osogbo. It likely held river stones and water.
Terracotta