This spectacular vessel is hand constructed from terra-cotta clay by the Lobi People from Burkina Faso. In Lobi society, many craftsmen ply their trade not for direct, monetary payment but rather as a social obligation performed within appropriate ritual contexts. This vessel, marked by a beveled spout with terra-cotta lid, followed by a dense expanse of hundreds of molded, raised bumps is actually a subtle feat of engineering. Its spiky skin is not only decorative, but functions to increase the huge pot’s surface area, thereby dissipating heat more effectively to cool the liquid within. This pot is employed for consumption of local beer and wine in domestic contexts and during various cultural enactments.