Djenne Red Glaze Flask

It is a common practice in West Africa to splash the first drops of home brew onto the ground “for the ancestors” before taking a sip yourself. It’s such a strong tradition that it survived the cruelties of the middle passage and slavery to live on firmly in the diaspora cultures of the Americas and Caribbean. The association between libation and honoring the dead is not limited to toasts. The internment of the deceased was until recently often accompanied with the burial of terra cotta vessels both used ones and others made specifically for such a purpose. Not infrequently archeological pots are found with their openings capped suggesting they were not buried empty. This beautiful pot is in flawless condition. It may be anywhere from one to several centuries old. White decoration over red glaze. No repairs. Unmounted 15″ high, 10″ diameter.

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