Mambila, Nigeria: A typical terracotta container in the form of a mythical creature.
A characteristic vessel of the Mambila, a tribe living in East Nigeria, on either side of the Cameroon border. The container made of black-brown terracotta displays in the upper section a spout in the shape of an animal head with protruding eyes and wide-open mouth. Visible on the round, prominent abdomen of the jug are the breasts, arms and female genitalia. On the back are three rows of hemispheric knops. Remains of red colouring. At the bottom is a short, round foot. These typical Mambila containers were probably used for sacred purposes. No precise information is known. The present object displays good, old usage patina and minor age damage (a minor tear across the abdomen, small pieces broken off). First half of the 20th century; H: 30 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 545.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,600.- to EUR 2,000.-
Mambila, Nigeria: A typical terracotta container in the form of a mythical creature.
A characteristic vessel of the Mambila, a tribe living in East Nigeria, on either side of the Cameroon border. The container made of black-brown terracotta displays in the upper section a spout in the shape of an animal head with protruding eyes and wide-open mouth. Visible on the round, prominent abdomen of the jug are the breasts, arms and female genitalia. On the back are three rows of hemispheric knops. Remains of red colouring. At the bottom is a short, round foot. These typical Mambila containers were probably used for sacred purposes. No precise information is known. The present object displays good, old usage patina and minor age damage (a minor tear across the abdomen, small pieces broken off). First half of the 20th century; H: 30 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 545.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |