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West Africa, Mali / Niger, Bura Asinda-Sikka, ca. 3rd to 13th century CE. A schematic terracotta head of a rounded form with a bulbous nose, incised circular eyes, an ovoid mouth, semicircular ears, and an interesting ridged coiffure. The bottom half of the figure is a tubular neck, and a perforation in the base of the neck is for display purposes. Very little is known about the Bura civilization. Archaeologists first discovered the site (to the northwest of Niamey, the capital of Niger, and in Burkina Faso) in 1975 and excavations were begun in 1983. The vast majority of pieces recovered have been terracotta vessels or heads like this example. Comes with custom display stand. Size: 5″ H (12.7 cm); 7.125″ H (18.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Condition: This is a fragment of a larger item. Expected age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks and chips to facial features and bottom rim, with roughness across most surfaces, otherwise very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Eric Roberts collection, New York, New York, USA
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