Lot 175
Africa, Northeast Nigeria, Katsina, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A very rare ancient Katsina terracotta janus (double-headed) shrine figural bust. One side of this piece depicts a bearded male; the other depicts a smooth-skinned female. Very few Katsina janus heads have been documented, according to scholar Claire Boullier. What's more, these heads were actually created by a single sculptor which corroborates the progressive idea that Katsina sculptors possessed individualized styles almost 2000 years ago. This said, the sculptor still adhered to stylistic rules embraced by the Katsina culture such as the oval shaped face, the half-closed eyes, short nose, and jutting chin--all characteristics adhered to by most Katsina sculptors. However, we also see more personalized touches of the sculptor such as styling of the the elaborately plaited coiffure, slightly upturned noses, a nicely detailed collar and the puckered, parted lips. Both visages also show traits akin to Nok figural sculpture such as elongated heads, high smooth foreheads, and elaborate fanciful coiffures, as Katsina visual culture was most certainly influenced by the Classical Nok culture. Scholar Claire Boullier also points to similarities between Katsina and Sokoto sculptures that may prompt further exploration of the networks between these ancient African cultures. For discussions of a similar Katsina janus head see Claire Boullier, "African Terra Cottas. A Millinary Heritage, musee Barbier-Mueller and Somogy (eds), 2008: cat. 81 p. 190. Includes custom stand. Size: 7" L x 7.25" W x 9.75" H (17.8 cm x 18.4 cm x 24.8 cm); 12.5"H (31.8 cm) with stand
Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection
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#112318
- Condition: Repairs to top of head and neck. Minor surface wear as shown. Otherwise, very good.
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