Lot 56B
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A hollow cast bronze head of a man with classically "African" features, including large lips and wide nostrils. The figure has open, hollow eyes that probably once had inlays of precious stones, and hair that hangs in thick braids from the crown of the head. These braids are carefully depicted, with incised lines giving them a lifelike appearance. Size: 1.9" W x 2" H (4.8 cm x 5.1 cm); 5.15" H (13.1 cm) on included custom stand.
The Romans had extensive contacts with people from Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa (in addition to variously occupying land in Egypt and western North Africa). Gold, food, spices, slaves, textiles, coinage, and even exotic animals were part of the robust trade between these regions. Some Africans lived in Rome, and some notable examples ascended to high social status. Well-read Romans regarded the kingdom of Ethiopia - which they used to refer to everything south of Egypt - as a place to be respected. However, in Roman mythology and literature, black skin was a sign of an inhabitant of the Underworld - for example, Charon is described not only as having black skin, but also having the facial features of an Aethiops by multiple Classical authors, including Ovid, Pliny, and Virgil. What Romans intended by their artistic depictions of Africans is unclear, and remains a point of research and debate.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#133384
- Condition: Small areas of wear and surface damage commensurate with age and handling. This includes some pitting and scratching. Form is very clear.
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