Africa, Niger River Valley, Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. A hand-built terracotta figure of an abstract form, presenting a cylindrical body and pinched, minimalistic features. The sculpture rests on a flat base and the has a textured surface, perhaps from impressing textile or rope fibers into the clay. The visage has two stippled eyes, a pinched lip, and applied nubbins as the nose, ridges, and nodules form the coiffure. Cupped ears with piercings, for additional ornamentation protrude from the side of the head. Many figures from this culture have been found buried upside-down in graves, and this example suggests it displayed the stylized likeness of a deceased individual. This traditional ritual demonstrates the Bura-Asinda-Sikka peoples' belief in the continuation of fruitfulness from birth to life to death to rebirth. Examples like this were initially discovered in 1975, many by farmers who were preparing their fields. Size: 3.125" Diameter x 5.5" H (7.9 cm x 14 cm)
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private Dunwoody, Georgia, USA collection; ex-Peggy Slappey collection
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#164654
Condition
One TL hole on base, and second TL hole on the abraded ridge area, opposite the face. Stable fissures and chips to base. Abrasion and loss to coiffure ridge and nubbins. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout.