32 - Vessel, "gole"

Vessel, "gole" Baule. Ivory Coast Without base Terracotta. H 21 cm. W 19 cm. Provenance: Swiss private collection, Bern. Acquired in Abidjan between 1969 and 1972. Pottery is one of humanity’s oldest crafts. The earliest ceramic finds in Africa date back to the 10th millennium B.C. Although clay as a material has been increasingly supplanted over the centuries by metal, glass, and later by plastics, pottery as a craft has remained alive to this day and has recently been gaining renewed appreciation in many places. In many regions of Africa, the production of ceramics is traditionally carried out by women. In some societies, there is a close connection to the craft of blacksmithing, which is often practiced by men. The production of vessels requires great skill and a great deal of experience. A widely used production method is the coil-building technique, in which strips of clay are layered on top of one another and then smoothed. After decorations are applied through incisions or three-dimensional embellishments, the vessels are fired at temperatures ranging from about 450 to 1,000 °C, often in an open fire. To refine the surface, they may then be treated with fat, plant ash, or other substances. These vessels, often exquisitely designed, served not only for the transport and storage of beverages and food. Particularly precious pieces were adorned with elaborate decorations and were also used to store valuable goods or in ritual contexts. Their meticulous design served to emphasize both the material and symbolic value of the objects. CHF 100 / 200 Weight in grams: 1622 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to convey as comprehensive an impression of its condition as possible. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or use-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.