West Africa, Bura Asinda-Sikka, southwest Niger, ca. 3rd to 13th centuries CE. A fascinating anthropomorphic hand-carved stone idol presenting as a round head perhaps with a long beard and bulbous shut eyes, a flat yet prominent nose and nasal bridge, and an open smiling mouth flanked by two tab-shaped ears. 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 grave marker. Figures like this haunting visage are thought to represent individuals rather than having been mass produced. Size: 3" L x 3" W (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, USA collection
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#158246
Condition
Intact, with surface wear commensurate with age, including small scratches, chips, and nicks. Stone is weathered and has some deposits. Nice preservation of form.