West Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A remarkable pottery vessel presenting a bulbous body enveloped in petite spikes in tight rows that resemble helmets of a well-organized army, all surmounted by a star-shaped lid with an annular handle and sitting upon a flared foot. Vessels like this one traditionally hold water or a powerful medicine and are placed on altars dedicated to a protective spirit. The spikes symbolize defense against illness, misfortune, and "duntundara" or witchcraft, while the lid protects the contents of the jar from natural and supernatural contamination. Size: 10.2" Diameter x 11.9" H (25.9 cm x 30.2 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174026

Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines. Some nicks to spikes and minor chipping to periphery of lid and foot. Otherwise, excellent with rich earthen deposits.