Description:

Western Africa, southwest Niger, Bura Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 3rd to 13th centuries CE. A striking, highly abstract anthropomorphic head atop a long shaft with a blade-like base made to be placed into the ground. The face is bisected by a large nose, with two bulging eyes, each incised to look like they are narrowed to slits. Shallowly incised lines decorate the planar cheeks, raised nose, and upper neck, giving an appearance of tattoos or other facial decoration. Size: 5.75" W x 13.4" H (14.6 cm x 34 cm); 13.45" H (34.2 cm) on included custom stand.

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 jewelry, iron weapons, and glass beads (the latter indicating that this culture had trade ties across the Sahara with North Africa).

Provenance: ex-private Pearson collection, Denver, Colorado, USA

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#144871

  • Condition: Intact, with wear commensurate with age, including small scratches, chips, and nicks from surface. Stone is weathered and has some deposits. Nice preservation of details.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 4, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000