Terracotta Jar – Ga`anda – Nigeria

Wonderfull unique terracotta jar from the Ga`anda tribe.

The Ga`anda located on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon make terracotta intended for funeral rites, called Hlendica. Two types of Mbirlen`nda jars exist. One (Sambarca) is used to collect the spirit of the deceased while the second receives the encestral spirit of the clan. For a year the pottery of the deceased will accompany that of the clan wihtin altars named ketn Buuca. It is only at the end of this period that that of the deceased is broken to free his soul. These potteries receive offerings to appease and receive the benevolence of the spirits.

This example with a mattslip in a dark gray tint represents an anthropomorphic female subject, and it`s scarifications are those of the mature women of the clan.

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