This regal terracotta vessel in the form of a
woman seated on a stool is immediately
arresting. It was produced by the Mangbetu
people who began to settle in north-east Zaire
in
the nineteenth century. The elongated skull
reflects a contemporary practice whereby the
heads of infants were bound in raffia. The
flaring, fan-shaped headdress is actually the
spout of this loop-handled vessel, however it is
likely that its function was ceremonial rather
than practical. Only the elite of Mangbetu society
could afford to obtain such items which were an
important part of the visual display of power.
The majority of such anthropomorphic vessels
depict women and this object is no exception.
The figure has small pointed breasts and a well-
defined naval. She embraces her rounded form
protectively with her arms. This object is
particularly interesting because it shows how the
form of earlier utilitarian vessels was adapted to
suit changing tastes. For example, the rounded
central section recalls earlier vessels designed
for storing liquids. The facial expression is
particularly fine, especially the attention paid the
slightly parted lips and clearly defined teeth. The
hairstyle and the presence of a stool both
indicate that this figure represents an elite
member of society.