A transformation ritual vessel of the Mambila from the Matam chiefdom in Cameroon. A rounded body rises into a narrow neck that ends in a small, stylised head with a broad, projecting mouth.

1. Form and Modelling

The body is a full, nearly spherical belly with a short neck above it. Along the widest part of the belly and down the sides of the neck runs a row of small, pointed projections that gives the outline a serrated edge. The head at the top is only lightly modelled: ridged, crest-like forms frame it on both sides, and the open mouth is formed by a broad lip that juts forward like a spout. Below the head, two short arms bend inwards and the hands come together at the chest.

2. Surface and Context

The surface is matt and dark grey-brown, finely pitted and slightly rough, without added colour. The vessel stands on a braided ring of plant fibre. The collection catalogue lists the object, together with a second vessel, as a pair of Mambila transformation ritual vessels from the Matam chiefdom. The photograph shows one of them.

Summary

A dark, sparsely decorated Mambila vessel from Matam, in which a serrated belly and a head with a projecting mouth are combined.