Pyro-engraved gourd

Hollowed-out gourds serve as receptacles of food and drink, and as storage vessels or carrier-containers throughout Africa. This example, with delicate "fine line" cross-hatching contrasted with the broad bands of deeply engraved lines is a style unique to a number of groups living in the Uba Plains of Nigeria. The interior shows no evidence of use, indicating that this was carved specifically for market.