Berber terracotta centerpiece with ancient fish circa 1950

Oval dish in terracotta, berber work of kabylia 50s-60s. Comes from the personal collection (and the apartment packed to the brim with a world tour of wonders and books) of an anthropology researcher, a great traveler since the mid century. A total work of art, both abstract and earthy, this empty pocket dish alone brings together the sublime simplicity of a primitive, almost parietal drawing, the modernist diamonds of a crazy sophistication for the rhythm, a material of old village craftsmanship and a patina of archaeology. Wear, chips, and traces. In very heavy red earth under the ivory cover. Strong and benevolent presence. Length 27, 5cm. Width 16cm. Depth 6cm.