Lot 102
West Africa, Nigeria, Katsina or possibly Sokoto, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A fascinating coarse, earthy red clay figure of a human face with large features above an elongated neck with what appears to be a vestigial arm extending from its lower portion. Eyes, nose, and mouth are all raised above the plane of the face, while incised lines create eyebrows and the impression of coarse hair. Size: 3.25" W x 8.75" H (8.3 cm x 22.2 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Katsina, located in modern northwest Nigeria in the Niger River Valley, was roughly contemporary with the Nok culture to its south and the Sokoto culture in the same river valley. It was located between the ancient city of Kano and trade routes that led across the Sahara to pharaonic Egypt. Bayard Rustin (yes that one!), who originally collected the Katsina collection for the Yale University Art Gallery, recorded that most terracotta pieces like this one were found in large manmade mounds. Characteristic Katsina figures like this one were probably attached to globular jars and may have been funerary markers. They were made of a rough earthenware mixed with quartz and mica and have a reddish slip made from either mica or schist.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: ex private Illinois, USA collection; ex Patti C. Birch collection; ex Art For Eternity Howard Nowes Gallery, New York, USA
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#129026
- Condition: Piece is a fragment as shown, with one repaired "arm" below the head. Nice remaining details of face and hair. Two small holes drilled for TL testing, one in the base, one in the back.
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