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Grain Pot

mid 1900s
Terracotta and colorant
Diameter: 45.5 cm (17 15/16 in.); Overall: 35.5 cm (14 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1998.151
Location: 108A Sub-Saharan
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

This vessel's markings are linked to the body of the woman who once owned it. She commissioned a female potter to make the work. First, the potter coiled and stacked clay to hand-build its shape. Next, she covered it in a shimmery charcoal and earth wash before burnishing it (polishing). After firing, the potter incised it with motifs adapted from the owner's nkova (tattoos), which were applied to enhance her beauty. The Makonde word nkova can mean making designs on pottery or skin. Finally, the potter accentuated the incised motifs with a white clay wash that wears away with use. When no longer watertight, vessels like this become grain storage containers.
Grain Pot

Grain Pot

mid 1900s

Makonde, mid 20th century

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