
Akhẹ (clay pots) are made by the Imakhe (guild of potters). Pots were used for a variety of purposes, including everyday storage of water in simple, undecorated or minimally decorated vessels, while others served ritual purposes. Akhẹ Osun, for example, are often highly decorated with animal motifs such as lizards, frogs, and snakes, all of which are associated with the deity Osun. Rounded Akhẹ with open tops are depicted on both the Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques) and pendant plaques. They are usually shown being carried either on the heads of figures or propped on their left shoulders.
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