Western Africa, Southwest Niger, Bura-Asinda, Sikka culture, ca. 3rd to 13th centuries CE. A fascinating rough red earthenware pottery head, with small features and a conical hat topped by a curved crest. Impressed texture forms eyebrows and decoration around the neck and brim of the headdress. This piece may have had a hollow, bulbous body attached to it at one time, based on similar known figures. 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: 5.3" W x 8.95" H (13.5 cm x 22.7 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, Los Altos, California, USA
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#145044
Condition
Intact, with a few small chips and nicks from the peripheries commensurate with age. Nice remaining detail.