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Africa, Northeast Nigeria, Katsina, ca. 3rd to 9th century CE. A very rare ancient Katsina terracotta janus (double-headed) figure that once belonged to a statue that would have measured approximately 15 to 30 inches tall. One side of this piece depicts a bearded male; the other depicts a smooth-skinned female. Very few Katsina janus heads have been documented, according to scholar Claire Boullier. What's more, these heads were actually created by a single sculptor which corroborates the progressive idea that Katsina sculptors possessed individualized styles almost 2000 years ago. This said, the sculptor still adhered to stylistic rules embraced by the Katsina culture such as the oval shaped face, the half-closed eyes, short nose, and pointed chin--all characteristics adhered to by most Katsina sculptors. However, we also see more personalized touches of the sculptor such as the soft, bushy eyebrows, modeling of the elaborate coiffure, and the parted lips with a slightly jutting lower lip. Both visages also show traits akin to Nok figural sculpture such as elongated heads, high smooth foreheads, and elaborate fanciful coiffures, as Katsina visual culture was most certainly influenced by the Classical Nok culture. This said, the piece also shows characteristics specific to the Katsina including globular eyes with curved lower eyelids that convey a relatively subtle expression and elongated necks. Scholar Claire Boullier also points to similarities between Katsina and Sokoto sculptures that may prompt further exploration of the networks between these ancient African cultures. For discussions of a similar Katsina janus head see Claire Boullier, "African Terra Cottas. A Millinary Heritage, musee Barbier-Mueller and Somogy (eds), 2008: cat. 81 p. 190. Includes custom stand. Size: head itself measures 6.75" W at widest point x 9.75" H (17.1 cm x 24.8 cm); 11.875" H (30.2 cm) on stand.

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos, California

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Fragmentary head from a larger figure. Surface fissures on neck and around hairline. Some surface abrasion and very minor losses.