Featured Lidded Bowl made from a rock.

If the lid does change color at least we’ll know it’s made of Alexandrite glass. See how good I am learning.

This has always been the problem with expressionism artist.

I must have looked at over a billion images(lost count after 20) and the pipe image I posted yesterday was the closest one yet still a mile away. I did see pots with identical shape, but no lid, no carvings. Guess the original owner didn’t make a matching set. Depressing...

 

How dare you!

 

It is getting under my skin. I even tried to find a forum for African pottery or stoneware with no luck. Most have last postings around 2014. If anyone has a recommendation to a forum or a museum, it would be appreciated.

Honestly cant believe no one has seen this kind of piece, and it was given to me. *scratches head*

Thanks for your help and time

 

I have not been able to find anything exactly like it. But I have found several Yoruba objects in wood and terracotta that resemble the basic shapes:

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-yoruba-wooden-round-ritual-bowl-with-lid-from-n-FE44EDEA3B


http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca/search/item?keywords=Yoruba+pot&row=5

And a ceramic vessel with a figure on the lid:
http://www.artnet.com/artists/yoruba-sculptural-clay-ceremonial-vessel-ac-wRfJ38U5zwJgO07jbfeapg2

There was an early tradition of stone sculpture in Nigeria (where the Yoruba are located), including working in soapstone.

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/steatite-yoruba-head-a-large-
number-of-soapstone-carvings-news-photo/152198780

There is also a tradition of divination (google Ife or Yoruba divination) which used various trays and vessels, often with faces around the edge, which might correspond to the lugs on your stone vessel:

Nigerian Pottery - Yoruba or Edo people - Late 19th - Early 20th Century
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/525584218996747881/?lp=true

I am wondering if your pot may be connected to this tradition - but don't know for sure.

 

Thank you @2manybooks, searching, Yoruba and kuda has been the closest I have seen. Amazing sometimes when you get a better search word.

This one has simular handles, but mine still is cruder(possibly do to it being soapstone).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/African-Yo...sel-or-Pot-From-Nigeria-12-Tall-/182138541745

Will continue looking, I believe you have its probable provenance.

 

Another approach might be to positively identify the stone. The damaged area should allow a careful examination of the crystal structure. Do you have a university with a geology department nearby? They might be able to narrow down the geographic area of origin.

 

I planned on contacting Boca Raton Museum of Art this week. They are located about 15 minutes from me.

 

Marco, you can try this group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1636493203289627/

 

Just a small update on my findings.

Seems to be Afghanistan and/or surroundings area born. Not so sure of listing comments as ebay an esty sellers vary in competence. Mine seems more primitive

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/647497586/antique-islamic-soapstone-large-antique


https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/661333893/antique-islamic-soapstone-large-antique

https://www.phototheca-afghanica.ch/afghanistanmuseum/browser/content/K1396_1408_Kulke_HK_13_25.html

 

Thanks,

...and thanks large in part to @cxgirl FB link above. They straighten my butt out,

 

How very cool! I imagine we will be learning a lot about things from Afghanistan in the coming years, with service men and women returning.

 

Dont you all just love it when a listing says it is, “ 1940 Antique Artifact”
Could of just said vintage handmade....

...and what does “heavy tool gray” actually mean?