Bowl c. 20th century

Editor: So, this is "Bowl" by the Tiv people, dating back to the 20th century. It’s earthenware and part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. I’m really struck by how raw and almost primal it feels. It is both a utilitarian vessel and an art object. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This object is fascinating because it allows us to consider the means of production, rather than just the symbolic function. We often think of "fine art" ceramics as existing apart from everyday objects like cooking pots, but consider the labour involved in sourcing the materials, the techniques of firing and shaping – and the way these things create value in a particular community. Do we know how the bowl was made? Was it wheel-thrown or hand-built? Editor: I’m not sure about the exact process, but I imagine it was likely hand-built given the rather organic form and the added animal figures. The imperfections of the surface highlight a manual process, definitely challenging any idealized notion of 'high art.' Curator: Exactly. By paying close attention to the material processes and even the potential social structures surrounding its production, we move away from thinking of this simply as a bowl, or even just a sculpture. Consider the lives intertwined with its creation and its purpose. How would a culture consume from a vessel that took resources and craftsmanship? Editor: So, in looking at the "Bowl", the materials and creation, elevate it to something beyond just its functionality? I think that makes a lot of sense. Curator: Yes! It challenges how we define artistic value. Examining the labor and the raw materials invites us to reconsider our own preconceptions of art versus craft.