The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 15, 2025

Vessel

c. 1970

Asibi Waje Kwali

(Nigerian, active 1900s)
Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Gwari peoples
Ceramic
Overall: 36.4 cm (14 5/16 in.)
Gift of Phyllis Sloane in memory of David Sloane 1988.244.a
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, 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.
  • ?–1988
    Phyllis Sloane
    1988–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art by gift
  • {{cite web|title=Vessel|url=false|author=Asibi Waje Kwali|year=c. 1970|access-date=15 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

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