Description:

Africa, Nigeria, Nok culture, ca. 500 BCE to 200 CE. A very rare Janus head terracotta group depicting a bearded male and female pair from the ancient Nok culture of Nigeria. Janus headed sculptures generally associate two figures of the same or opposite sexes, either standing or sitting. Here, the male and female heads are positioned back to back, ear to ear, decorated with wide jewelry collars detailed with repeated striations or strands, the female figure also showing the upper section of her torso and left arm. Each member of this close pair displays all the characteristics of the classical Nok style - an enlarged haughty head, high forehead, cast-down eyes with linear upper and curved lower lids, elaborate, an incised coiffure, and intricately carved jewelry. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: piece itself measures 2.625" W x 6" H (6.7 cm x 15.2 cm); 7.125" H (18.1 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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#112160

  • Condition: A fragment with expected surface wear and abrasions. One stable fissure to lower end. Overall very good.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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