This attractive bicephalous (or, more specifically, Janus-faced) ceramic vessel bears stylistic variants characteristic of the cultures inhabiting the grasslands of Cameroon. It comprises an almost spherical pot, standing on a...
This attractive bicephalous (or, more specifically, Janus-faced) ceramic vessel bears stylistic variants characteristic of the cultures inhabiting the grasslands of Cameroon. It comprises an almost spherical pot, standing on a square-section base with “legs” at each corner; the base is decorated with hatched designs. The faces are essentially identical, with oval low-relief eyes and brows, a long, retrousse nose and pursed lips over a small, pointed chin. The pot is equipped with a pair of small loop handles which are designed to resemble ears. The likeness is emphasised with “earrings” made of shells. The spout of the vessel is very tall, doubling the height of the piece, and is decorated with incised decoration and a lip around the apex. The piece is dark in colour but unpainted, and thus reflects use wear and age patination.