Vessel
Late 20th century
Frarasia Bukusi Nyakyusa Tanzania Eastern and Southern Africa
Tanzania
This vessel was used to ferment and store beer made from cassava root. The sharp transition at the wide midpoint and the repeating arched motifs (mahena) identify it as the work of a Nyakyusa potter, most of whom are women. Few Nyakyusa potters are known to outsiders, but the work shown here can be attributed to a woman named Frarasia Bukusi who was active in the late 20th century.
Terracotta and pigment