**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, present day Niger and Burkina Faso, Bura-Asinda-Sikka area, ca. 1100 to 1500 CE. A hand-carved sandstone funerary idol of a stylized form depicted with arms parallel to his slender body and a huge head, all supported by a pair of short legs. The minimalist visage is comprised of a straight nose flanked by a pair of raised, annular eyes. An abstract, geometric decoration is incsed across the chest. Naturally embellished in warm hues of tan and beige, this fascinating figure was found in a necropolis that was filled with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta and stone figurines, frequently placed above inhumation-style burials; many of these burials also included bronze jewelry, iron weapons, and glass beads (the latter indicating that this culture had trade ties across the Sahara with North Africa). Scholars posit that figures like this one were intended to represent individuals. Size: 6.3" W x 13.5" H (16 cm x 34.3 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995

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#180786

Chipping, nicks, and abrasions as shown, but otherwise intact with light earthen deposits to surface. Permanently adhered to stand.