Object Name: Figurative pot

Artist: Ouatchi

Cultural Group: N/A

Place of Origin: Togo

Date/Era: Early 20th century

Dimensions: H: 75 cm (29 “)

Medium/Materials: Terracotta

Credit Line: Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal, The Netherlands

Accession Number: 599-4

Open to the underground. Rare Ouatchi vessels were inserted directly into the earth. The darker patina of the lower half of this vessel shows how approximately half of it was once submerged. With its base open to the underground, its anthropomorphic features emerged from the earth ready to receive sacrificial offerings. The vessel?s combination of red color and serpentine imagery likely allude to the powers of the earth, wind, and water.