Lid for a Funerary Vessel (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Akan
terracotta
Place Made,Ghana
Overall: 10 1/2 × 9 1/2 in. (26.67 × 24.13 cm)
82.118
Not on view
A variety of terracotta vessels accompany memorial portraits, similar to the adjacent one. Some of these urns are adorned with figural lids. Such funerary vessels are used in sacred groves where special rituals are performed with libations and offerings of food and prayer in honor of the deceased.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Hilbert H. DeLawter
"African Terracottas South of the Sahara." Detroit, Michigan: Detroit Institute of Arts, 1972.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.