Africa, Katsina, modern day Nigeria, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. This is an interesting example of a likely funerary marker made of terracotta showing two faces, one with a long goatee that calls to mind an Egyptian mummy's mask, and the other with a small beard. They share textured hair and both have deepset ears. Katsina state in modern day northwest Nigeria is in the Niger River Valley, roughly contemporary with the Nok culture to its south and the Sokoto culture in the same river valley, was located between the ancient city of Kano and trade routes that led across the Sahara to pharaonic Egypt. Bayard Rustin (yes that one!), who originally collected the Katsina collection for the Yale University Art Gallery, recorded that most terracotta pieces like this one were found in large manmade mounds. Characteristic Katsina figures, like those of the Sokoto culture, are large, hollow, thin-walled, and low-fired human figures. Most of these figures were probably attached to globular jars and may have been funerary markers. They are made of a rough earthenware mixed with quartz and mica and have a knobbled texture. Size: 6.7" L x 6.3" W x 15.5" H (17 cm x 16 cm x 39.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#112314

This is a fragment, with the heads have been removed as a single piece from a larger item. There is some age wear, but the features are clear.