**Originally Listed At $250**
West Africa, Ghana, Akan culture, Asante peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-sculpted ceramic votive head known as a "ntiri" used in funerary traditions to pay homage to the deceased. The oblong, petal-shaped head displays coffee-bean-shaped eyes beneath thin brows, a slender nose above thin lips, and several white-painted striations indicative of cosmetic decorations or ritual scarification marks the deceased perhaps displayed while still living. A ringed neck projects from a discoid base embellished with a ring of paint-filled impressions, and a small strand of stone beads droops from the center of the forehead. A free-standing head like this one is indicative of being made for a high-status or even royal individual. Size: 4" W x 5.4" H (10.2 cm x 13.7 cm).
Provenance: Estate of R. Pearson, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mr. Pearson collected from the third quarter of the 20th century until he passed away., acquired at Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-Edith and Murray Stein collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired around the 1960s and 1970s
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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#143293
Condition
Head repaired from two large pieces with small chips and light adhesive residue along break line. Minor losses to peripheries, fading and chipping to areas of original pigmentation, and softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits throughout.