West Africa, present day Niger and Burkina Faso, Bura-Asinda-Sikka area, ca. 300 to 1500 CE. A fascinating stone-carving of a stylized anthropomorphic figure exhibiting an ovoid form, an elongated head, and tapered base. This haunting visage displays a pair of bulging circular eyes, a protruding nasal bridge, a triangular nose, and a petite down-turned mouth, as two tab-shaped ears sit at the figure's neck. The backside of the head is adorned with a latticework motif, likely to portray hair or a headdress. Size: 3.2" W x 14.6" H (8.1 cm x 37.1 cm)
This intriguing figure was found in a necropolis that was filled with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic stone and terracotta figurines, frequently placed above inhumation-style burials; many of these burials had accompanying grave goods such as bronze jewelry, iron weapons, and glass beads (the latter indicating that this culture had trade ties across the Sahara with North Africa). This object's pointed base would have served as a topper for an urn or as a stake for it to be placed in the ground as a grave marker. Figures like this one are thought to represent individuals rather than having been mass produced.
Provenance: private Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, USA collection
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#158252
Condition
Nicks to body and head, otherwise intact and very good. Great surface smoothness throughout and nice preservation to facial details.