**Originally Listed At $200**

Africa, Niger River Valley, Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. A hand-built terracotta figure of an abstract form, presenting a cylindrical body and pinched, minimalistic features. The sculpture rests on a flat base and the has a textured surface, perhaps from impressing textile or rope fibers into the clay. The visage has two stippled eyes, a pinched lip, and applied nubbins as the nose, ridges, and nodules form the coiffure. Cupped ears with piercings, for additional ornamentation protrude from the side of the head. Many figures from this culture have been found buried upside-down in graves, and this example suggests it displayed the stylized likeness of a deceased individual. This traditional ritual demonstrates the Bura-Asinda-Sikka peoples' belief in the continuation of fruitfulness from birth to life to death to rebirth. Examples like this were initially discovered in 1975, many by farmers who were preparing their fields. Size: 3.125" Diameter x 5.5" H (7.9 cm x 14 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: private Dunwoody, Georgia, USA collection; ex-Peggy Slappey collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#164654

One TL hole on base, and second TL hole on the abraded ridge area, opposite the face. Stable fissures and chips to base. Abrasion and loss to coiffure ridge and nubbins. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout.