Description:

Ancient West Africa, Nigeria, Katsina culture, ca. 100 CE. A fascinating example of a hand-built terracotta head depicting a minimalist countenance consisting of protruding, coffee-bean-shaped eyes, a slender nose with a sharp bridge, a petite mouth, and a domed scalp bearing dozens of petite nodules indicative of hair. The visage extends downwards to form a gently corseted neck. Though its original purpose is unknown, sculpted heads like this example were perhaps used as funerary votives meant to honor the deceased. Size: 2.4" W x 5.9" H (6.1 cm x 15 cm); 7.375" H (18.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased in 2006 from Julie Carson, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

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#162923

  • Condition: Chip to middle of neck, top of head, mouth, and base as shown. Light encrustations to surfaces and softening to some facial details. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Display stand is adhered to rod inserted into head and cannot be removed.

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July 1, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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