West Africa, Lobi, ca. late 19th to early 20th centuries CE. This is an UNBROKEN shrine vessel from the Lobi Culture of western Africa. Most of these vessels are globular and simple spiked spheres with a small, uninteresting round lid. Nearly all are smaller than the dimensions of this remarkable example. Entire vessel has been made into a human form with a person's head at the top and removable hair for the lid. The mouth is open and the face features large drop earrings a slightly up-turned gaze to the sky.
This is a heavy and robust vessel weighing in at approximately 75 pounds with thick walls. The entire vessel is unbroken and intact. Deep surface sediment from age and mineral encrustations provide irrefutable proof that this is an ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC ceramic pot made and used 100 years ago. This is the height of Lobi African tribal vessel artistry. Minor loss and damage near the vessel opening at the top and a single fracture repair to the lid "hair". Otherwise, entire vessel is intact and in original, unrestored condition. Lid sits securely on top with the aid of a removable wood block stop added in modern time.
Lobi shrine vessels such as these with a completely spiked surface were solely used for sacred purposes. The purpose of the spike surface was to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft. They were placed or buried inside shrines of individual families either inside the home or in the compound center. These compounds are led by one elder who is a family head, and the compound can house from as little as a dozen to as many as eighty people of an extended family. The vessels were filled with medicinal substances to protect against sickness or misfortune. The shrines these vessels were placed in were small, windowless rooms that also included sacred wooden and clay figures, other vessels and an altar. The shrines were the link of the living people with the spirit world.
Size: 30" H x 16" diameter at widest (76 cm x 41 cm). REQUIRES LTL SHIPPING

Provenance: ex-Paleo Direct Collection, Florida, USA

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#110546

No repair or restoration to the vessel; a single fracture repair to the lid. Complete condition with intact sediment and minerals from age.