West Africa, present day Niger and Burkina Faso, Bura-Asinda-Sikka area, ca. 300 to 1500 CE. An intriguing hand-carved anthropomorphic stone depicting an ovoid head and long neck with an extended forehead, flat nose, slit eyes adorned with horizontal striations resembling crow's feet, a petite straight mouth, and low asymmetrical 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 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 gravemarker. Figures like this one are thought to represent individuals rather than having been mass produced. Size: 3" L x 3" W x 11.5" H (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm x 29.2 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: Private Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#158247
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.