Ceramic vessel (part a) with a red-brown burnished surface and incised markings along the shoulder. The design features a solid horizontal line, with repeating arches underneath. Within the space between every second arch is a cross shape. The mouth is circular, with raised and flared lip, and the base rounded. Also a round wicker base (part b) for the pot to sit on.

• History Of Use

  Bamana water container (jidaga); can also be used to store or brew millet beer, or spiritual medicine for the household. They are often meant for prominent display in domestic compounds, so that visitors may be offered a drink upon arrival; water can also be used for cleaning. They are also used as decoration in many households. Female potters married to blacksmiths, known as nummumusow (blacksmith women), make such vessels. To do so, they dig out clay from the ground and build the jidaga without a wheel. After they have dried, vessels are fired in big communal firings.

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• Type of Item vessel
• Culture Bamana
• Material clay, plant fibre
• Measurements height 44.0 cm, width 41.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Djenne

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Item Classes ceramics
• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3420/0003 a-b