Bura Asinda-Sikka, southwest Niger, ca. 3rd to 13th centuries CE. This is a large, handsome, hollow rough earthenware pottery figure showing a human with decorated arms and chest as well as hair done in thick strips and signs of what may have been scarification on the face. The head is tilted back and the body is shown in a hands-on-hips posture that gives this piece a dynamic feeling. This piece may have had a hollow, bulbous body attached to it at one time. 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 jewellery, 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. Comes with custom stand. Size: 6" L x 11" W x 15.5" H (15.2 cm x 27.9 cm x 39.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex. Peter Arnovick Collection

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#112547

This is a broken fragment from a larger piece; however, the features that remain are clear, with some wear and firing/burning marks.