The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Vessel (modern randa) with Rope Stand

c. 1970

Asibi Waje Kwali

(Nigerian, active 1900s)
Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Gwari peoples
Ceramic and plant fiber
Vessel: 36.4 cm (14 5/16 in.)
Gift of Phyllis Sloane in memory of David Sloane 1988.244
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

This earthenware vessel took about three hours to fire in an open-air setting.

Description

This vessel represents a transitional stage between functional and nonfunctional Gwari pottery. When red hot from firing out in the open, artist Asibi Waje Kwali covered the vessel with makuba. This locust-bean liquid created a deep red-brown color and functional waterproof surface. Randa (water vessels) typically hold 20 to 30 gallons of water. However, this smaller version adapts that tradition-based form for contemporary size preferences. Gwari pottery historically incorporated engraved geometric and figurative motifs; here, the artist also incised her name. Farin kasa (white clay slip) applied into the designs heightens their contrast.
  • ?–1989
    Phyllis Sloane
    1989–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art by gift
  • From the Earth through Her Hands: African Ceramics. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 21, 2024-September 21, 2025).
    The Year in Review for 1988. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 1-May 14, 1989).
  • {{cite web|title=Vessel (modern randa) with Rope Stand|url=false|author=Asibi Waje Kwali|year=c. 1970|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1988.244