African potters, mainly women, handbuild a variety of containers, with stunning colors, designs, and decorative patterns. These were made for daily use to carry water, and for cooking. Some vessels (containers) were to be used in ceremonies or become part of a collection for objects in a shrine. This technique is figurative pottery. It began in northeastern Congo during the late 19th century, by the Zande and Mangbetu for Europeans and Africans. Such vessels were similar to black with a highly polished surface. The unrealistic head with half-closed eyes in large sockets represents Zande's stylistic traits. The carves and patterns, that appear like circles on the body and the neck, display Mangbetu's influence and are found on both Zande and Mangbetu pottery. While both men and women create pottery, only Zande men created figurative pottery, a tradition that no longer exists.