Mali, early 19th Century

21" H x 18" W x 18" D

Hand-formed clay pots have been an important art form in Western Africa for centuries.  Used to store water and food, large pots were one of the most valuable and useful household items.  

The pots, exclusively made by women, were shaped by hand then earth fired in large primitive kilns or, more typically, piled with wood-chips and fired above ground.  The ridged pattern across the bottom half of this piece was pressed into the clay with a plant and the rich patina was achieved through the original firing process.

Due to their heavy weight and the fragility of clay, these pots are extremely rare today.   This exquisite collectors piece achieves a quiet sense of balance and beauty.