Vessel, mid 20th century, 28 1/2 x 18 3/4 in. (72.39 x 47.63 cm), Clay, Burkina Faso, 20th century, Large jars like this one, inherited via the chiefly female lineage, signaled the owners privileged status. Designed to preserve selected seeds, they are sometimes called 'granaries,' yet they could also store a womans valuables, particularly textiles. The raised patterns on the surface, unique to each vessel and representing the abdominal scarifications worn by Kurumba women, highlight the personal connection between the owner, the vessel, and its contents.