West Africa, present day Niger and Burkina Faso, Bura-Asinda-Sikka area, ca. ca. 300 to 1500 CE. An intriguing hand-carved anthropomorphic sandstone depicting an ovoid head and long neck with an extended forehead, rectangular nose, slit eyes, a petite circular mouth, and low ears. The egg-shaped head and elongated forehead imbue the sculpture with a haunting presence. This fascinating figure was found in a necropolis that was filled with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figurines, frequently placed above inhumation-style burials; many of these burials also included 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 gravemarker. Scholars posit that figures like this one were intended to represent individuals. Size: 3.125" W x 12.875" H (7.9 cm x 32.7 cm)
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from Hammill Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 2010
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#162790
Condition
Surface wear commensurate with age, including small scratches, chips, and nicks. Otherwise intact. Stone is weathered and has some deposits. Nice preservation of form.