Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

African Mangbetu Terracotta Ceremonial Jug

About the Item

The Mangbetu people focused on highly realistic art forms. This ceremonial jug seamlessly transitions between figurative and abstract forms, from the spout formed to look like hair, to the expressive face, and down to the rounded, gourd-shaped base. The vessel is textured with geometric patterns of raised and incised dots, arranged on the face and neck in a pattern that simulates ritual scarification. This marriage of form, spirituality, and intent is a trademark example of exemplary African art.
  • Attributed to:
    Mangbetu People (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CAA10331stDibs: LU820036789832

More From This Seller

View All
African Mangbetu Terracotta Ceremonial Jug
By Mangbetu People
Located in Chicago, IL
The Mangbetu people focused on highly realistic art forms. Two aspects of the tribe's traditional culture can be seen in this handled jug—the allusion to tall coiffured hair, and the...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Vases

Materials

Terracotta

African Mangbetu Ceremonial Jug
By Mangbetu People
Located in Chicago, IL
The Mangbetu people focused on highly realistic art forms. From the spout formed to look like hair, through the face, and down to the gourd shaped base, this jug seamlessly transitio...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Vases

Materials

Wood

African Luba Mboko Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Receiving guidance from tribal ancestors was a central aspect of the Luba people's spiritual practices. This ceramic spiritually significant vessel is topped with a crossed leg figure whose head has an opening critical for a divination ritual. Known as an mboko, this handled vessel would have been filled with items like antelope horns, shells, dried beetles, human teeth...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Vases

Materials

Ceramic

African Nupe Terracotta Vessel Support, c. 1900
By Nupe
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were touted as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this elegant, cylindrical vessel support, received detailed attention. This flaring terra cotta form would have been buried halfway in the ground, in a Nupe home, and used as a stable base for a stack of traditional round pots...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Provincial Chinese Wine Jug, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic jar from China's Shandong province has a bottle-neck shape meant for storing vinegar or wine made from rice and grain. Dated to the early 20th century, the jar was likel...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Unglazed Terracotta Pot
Located in Chicago, IL
This low terracotta pond sits with a minimal form and a beautifully irregular finish. The vessel has a tapered silhouette, with a wide mouth, narrowed base and simple, flared rim. Le...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Minimalist Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Terracotta

You May Also Like

Large Antique Figurative African Mangbetu Peoples Anthropomorphic Vessel
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th century Mangbetu chief's pot, from DR Congo, a distinctive and beautiful anthropomorphic sculpture. This style of terracotta pot m...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Terracotta Djenne (Mali, Africa)
Located in PARIS, FR
Probably 12th-15th century. Djenne from Mali (Africa), beautiful terracotta slip, collar ending in a flared lip, beautiful example. Tomb object from an ancient Djenne site. This ev...
Category

Antique 17th Century Malian Tribal Vases

Materials

Terracotta

16th Century Ceremonial Urn from Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in NICE, FR
Beautiful funerary terracotta urn called from the Bura region (Niger) in West Africa. This cylindrical anthropomorphic sculpture is adorned with geometric designs. It depicts a human...
Category

Antique 16th Century Burkinabe Tribal Urns

Materials

Terracotta

Antique African Milk Jug
Located in New York, NY
Antique African wooden milk jug with tin accent. Includes a beautiful hand woven top. The jug alone is 12” high. Great as a vase or art object. Early 20th century. This container ...
Category

Early 20th Century Primitive Jars

Materials

Metal

North African Terracotta Vessel
Located in Dallas, TX
This one-of-a-kind North African terracotta vessel is an antique piece with a round base holder attached for secure support. Its faded and d...
Category

Antique 18th Century Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Terracotta

Tribal Drink Vessel Leather Milk Jug 1 African Arts
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Tribal Drink Vessel African Leather Milk Jug 1 10 x 6.5 diameter Original vintage condition Refer to images listed
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Jars

Materials

Leather

Recently Viewed

View All