Anthropomorphic offering beaker - Culture Mambila

The piece, a feminine anthropomorphic beaker, attracts the attention owing to its elliptical shape which evokes a pumpkin, a vegetable which for the Mambila alludes to the belly of a pregnant woman -which they designate "pumpkin of existence".The body and neck of the recipient are decorated with bands of various rows of diamond points -a habitual motif in other ceramic pieces, such as plates- which is repeated in the majority of feminine representations. Its origin lies in the custom of Mambila women of adorning themselves with ritual scarifications that surrounded their abdomen. The figure lacks legs, but the arms are represented. Adorned by numerous bracelets, the are joined to the body at a right angle, as occurs with the wood carvings. Characteristic features are the large open mouth -around which various scars can be appreciated- and the protruding eyes with enormous orbits. The hair is gathered in rows of plaits decorated again with diamond points. At he back and orifice appears for introducing the liquids used in different rituals.