Africa, Bura-Asinda-Sikka, Mali / Niger, ca. 3rd to 11th century CE. A rare carved stone head/marker from this little known culture. The entire marker is carved to resemble a human figure with characteristically abstract facial features, an incised straight coiffure, and a torso detailed with nipples, navel, and short arms. The piece takes the form of a long shaft-like for insertion into the ground or holding. A very nice example! Very little is actually 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 the pieces recoverd have been terracotta vessels or heads. Stone examples are far more difficult to come by. Size: 16.5" L x 4.5" W (41.9 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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#112203

Old minor losses to the lower end of the shaft and expected surface wear. Overall very good.