Terracotta Jar – Bariba – Benin

Wonderfull terracotta jar from the Bariba people of Benin.

The Baatonu (Bariba) homeland lies to the northwest of Oye, the once powerful Yoruba empire, and the two regions share important economic and cultural ties. Today Baatombu and Yoruba often live side-by-side, and potters from the two groups may work in close proximity to each other, making pots that look very similar. The Baatonu and Oyo Yoruba also share similar pottery techniques, using a convex mold to form the base of a pot and then completing it with coils.

This vessel has the egg-shaped form that is typical of Baatombu jars, and its wishbonelike motif is reminiscent of a tattoo worn by Baatonu women and symbolic of courage.. Such vessels are presented filled with shea butter, a household staple used in food preparation, as lantern oil, for skin care, and for medicine. Once empty the treasured container could be used to store grain or valuables.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.