Toussian Storage Vessel

Ovoid pots were an elegant storage solution in African tribal life. This beautifully balanced example is attributed to the Toussian people of Western Burkina Faso. Masterfully made to protect its contents from the elements, pots such as this one were coiled by female ceramists to hold food or personal items. The exterior's carefully incised patterns impart subtle decoration and were intended to provide a sure grip.