Frogabilia

Description

An Old Calabar Anthropomorphic Terracotta Pseudo Vessel Nigeria Africa
with NSIBIDI communication arrows
A very similar one in:
Some time ago I read about the use of these vessels on this site but unfortunately the article (in French, has now disappeared). As far as I remember they were filled with grain and were used by the now distinct Agricultural society as ritual vessels to bless the crops ensure fertility of the earth.
May also have been funerary vessels that accompanied the dead.
Possible date: 11th-14th Century

Dimensions:
approx.
36 cm high, 16 cm wide
Condition:
Has a large crack near the middle of the "belly" of the vessel from where tiny grains come out.
I have tried to secure this at present but the vessel is quite delicate and needs careful handling.
Please see all Photos
Provenance:
Former Seward Kennedy London, New York Collection
Acquired before 1980