Stem bowl with an inverted lip, with impressed decoration on the bowl section. It is made of clay, and the exterior is covered with a varnish produced by rubbing it with gum copal while it was still hot after firing.

Label: Old display label, black with white handwritten text: 'HAND-MADE BOWL, / VARNISHED BY RUBBING / WITH GUM COPAL WHILST / STILL HOT AFTER FIRING. / MONSEMBE, LOWER CONGO / AFRICA'.

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk