DESCRIPTION: Ancient African Nok Terracotta Head Fragment with carved protruded symmetric eyes and lips.

The Nok culture produced sculptures of human heads and figures of humans and animals in terracotta, the earliest such sculpture produced in sub-Saharan Africa. Near life-size terracotta heads were often part of a fuller figure but this portion has usually been lost. Most Nok sculpture is hollow and coil-built like pottery. Finely worked to a resilient consistency from local clays and gravel, the millennia-long endurance of these ancient objects is a testament to the technical ability of their makers.

CIRCA: Possibly 500 BC to 200 CE.
ORIGIN: Africa.
PROVENANCE: From the Estate of Peggy Slappey with exhibits at Birmingham Museum of Art. https://patrons.org.es/uzbekistan-ikats-all-the-colors-of-the-rainbow/.
DIMENSIONS: H: 7 1/2" W: 4 7/8" D: 6 1/2".
CONDITION: Ancient condition with cracks and missing piece. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS 305-332-9274. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.