IGBO PALM WINE VESSEL

Igbo Palm wine or water vessel

This vessel has a pronounced bulbous base, an entwined rope-like motif with twists covers the the surface in a random pattern. From the base rises a narrow columnar neck with a flared mouth. Incised rings are drawn over the surface of the neck, giving it a dynamic texture, possibly for better grip.

This vessel is West African in origin and was collected in the Yoruba dominated south western region of Nigeria but shares features with palm wine vessels found in the Eastern part of Nigeria amongst the Igbo. 

Palm wine tapping used to be a lofty vocation among men in many African communities in the past. Big jars are usually used during ceremonial occasions for offering palm wine to guests.