Africa, Niger River Valley, Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A hand-built terracotta figure of an abstract form. The figure presents atop a partial discoid base, has incised nodules enveloping the entire phalliform body, and bears a conical head with protruding eyes, a bar-shaped nose, and coiffure sections draped down the sides. 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. Size: 2.8" W x 7.1" H (7.1 cm x 18 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 is available for purchase. Please inquire.
Provenance: private Dunwoody, Georgia, USA collection; ex-Peggy Slappey collection
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#164652
Condition
Chips to base as well as front and top of head, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations. Great preservation to overall form. TL drill holes on bottom and behind head.