This is a very rare ancient carved stone head known locally as "Mahen Yafe. The Mahen yafe, "head of the chief," are archaeological finds from an area covering parts of present-day Liberia and Sierra Leone. They are believed to have been made by populations ancestral to the Sherbro, Sapi and Kissi and most likely date back hundreds of years. Evidence suggests that this Mahen Yafe head was originally made by the Sherbro. The archaic style in this case is apparently associated with the Sherbro aristocracy, suggesting a ritual purpose. Such Artifacts are quite rare and little documentation can be found. This stone head measure 6.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches and is a heavy stone. Provenance: The Dr Brian healy estate, New York.

Good, well worn and weathered