Nok Terracotta Female Bust

Description

Nigeria, Nok Culture, circa 500 BCE - 200 CE.

A terracotta female figure with elongated neck and fragmentary torso, the head modeled with pierced almond-shaped eyes, pronounced nose, parted lips, and rounded ears. The coiffure is arranged in a raised crested form with incised and molded detailing, while the neck and upper body retain traces of fine linear ornament and applied breast forms. The figure has a reddish-brown fired clay surface with worn slip, granular texture, and age-related encrustation throughout. Mounted on a custom black display stand.

Height 16 in. width 7 in.

Ex-Los Angeles Private Collection

Condition

loss to the lower body, surface wear, abrasions, small chips, encrustation, and light wear to the slip. Scattered firing irregularities and age-related surface deposits throughout.

Buyer's Premium

25%

Nok Terracotta Female Bust

Lot 0156

Estimate $300-$500Jun 25, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT

Starting Price

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$150

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Ethnographic Art Jewelry and Antiquities

Jun 25, 2026 1:00 PM EDT

Brea, CA, United States

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