West Africa, Mali / Niger, Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 3rd to 11th centuries CE. A highly abstract ceramic figure, made from a coarse red clay, with a bell-shaped body with tiny relief arms, a long neck, and a planar face with huge ears and drilled holes for eyes, nostrils, and earlobes. A large-lipped mouth is at the base of the long nose. The body has been impressed with a repeated texture that resembles woven fabric. This is probably the lid to a funerary urn. Little is known about this archaeological site, which was discovered and excavated only in the last few decades. It is 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). Figures like this one are thought to represent individuals rather than having been mass produced. Size: 5.5" W x 12.25" H (14 cm x 31.1 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 will accompany purchase.
Provenance: ex-private Pearson collection, Denver, Colorado, USA; ex-private Peter Arnovick collection, San Francisco, California, USA
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#145052
Condition
Repairs to neck but they are well done and difficult to see. Otherwise excellent with clear features.