Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Maker:
Kwele artist  Search this
Medium:
Ceramic
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 40 x 33.2 x 33.2 cm (15 3/4 x 13 1/16 x 13 1/16 in.)
Type:
Ceramics
Geography:
Congo
Date:
ca. 1900-ca. 1920
Label Text:
African potters--primarily women--handbuild a variety of vessels that they embellish with beautiful colors, designs and motifs before firing them at low temperatures. Containers made for daily use hold water or serve as cooking utensils. They also make vessels to be used in special ceremonies or that become part of an assemblage of objects placed in a shrine.
This vessel probably held water. It was deliberately crafted to resemble a gourd. An object replicated in the shape of another object composed of different materials is known as a skeuomorph. It has delicate incisions around its shoulders.
Description:
Dark colored gourd shaped vessel decorated with a series of incised lines around the top.
Provenance:
Martial Bronsin, Brussels, -- to 1998
Colette Ghysels, Brussels, 1998 to 2000
Exhibition History:
Beautiful Bodies: Form and Decoration of African Pottery, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., May 6, 2001-January 6, 2002
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Museum purchase
Object number:
2000-12-5
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7f5de5b57-d83e-43e0-a973-740697033a35
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2000-12-5