A transformation ritual vessel of the Mambila from the Matam chiefdom in Cameroon. A tall neck rises from a round belly, and at its top a large, lozenge-shaped mouth forms the opening of the vessel.

1. Form and Modelling

The collection catalogue lists two vessels under this entry; the photograph shows one of them. The body is a full sphere, set off from the neck by a thin collar. The neck is long and straight and takes up almost half of the height. The head at its top is reduced to a few essentials: a large, open mouth in the shape of a lozenge with a raised, pale rim, a small inner lip, and short pointed projections on either side. Two rounded stubs stand out at the shoulders, and two more sit on the upper belly.

2. Surface

The decoration is restrained. Fine rows of small studs run in vertical lines down the neck and across the belly, following its curve like ribs. Between them the surface is smooth and matt. The clay is orange-brown, with grey and pale chalky patches on the belly and a few small abrasions. The vessel stands on a dark braided ring. The collection catalogue assigns it to the Matam chiefdom.

Summary

A tall Mambila vessel from Matam whose large lozenge-shaped mouth and ribbed rows of studs give the surface a calm, rhythmic order.