Description:

**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Nigeria, Bura-Asinda-Sikka, ca. 3rd to 13th century CE. A highly stylized stone carved into an abstract anthropomorphic head. A thick cylindrical neck incised with three rings supports the ovoid visage which has a flattened profile, consisting of a linear mouth groove, circular drilled eyes, and a raised nasal bridge that runs from the forehead to center, while two indentations on the sides act as ears. The brow and cheeks embellished with striations and high relief squares, possibly representing scarification or tattoos. The flat verso is etched with vertical V shaped striations as a coiffure or additional adornments. Unfortunately, little is known about the culture that lived in this area when this statue was made. What has been found are large cemeteries with impressive necropoli, which provide evidence that this was a wealthy, complex society. They buried their dead in conical urns, often topped with heads like this one. Size: 4.5" L x 1.5" W x 6.625" H (11.4 cm x 3.8 cm x 16.8 cm); 8.5" H (21.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, ex Peter Arnovik collection, Los Altos, California, 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#140437

  • Condition: Chips and loss to top of head nodule. Stable fissure along left side behind ear. Surface abrasions and chips commensurate with age and exposure to elements. Excellent preservation to details.

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December 29, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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