Description:

Africa, Mali/Niger, Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, ca. 3rd to 11th centuries CE. A carved solid terracotta memorial head from a vessel or figure, with pierced eyes and a slit mouth, a slightly raised nose and chin, a pronounced browline, a rather fanciful plaited coiffure, and an extended neck, mounted upon a square lucite base. 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 like this example. Size: head itself measures 2.75" W x 4.25" H (7 cm x 10.8 cm); 5.125" (13 cm) H on stand.

Provenance: Estate of Peter Arnovick. Mr. Arnovick was an avid collector and dealer of ancient and ethnographic arts from around the world.

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#111997

  • Condition: A fragment with some surface wear and abrasions. Nice mineral deposits on surface.

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January 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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