West Africa, Nigeria, Nok culture, ca. 500 BCE to 200 CE. A fascinating coarse earthenware figure (that would have been smoothed and painted when originally made) of a seated, abstract animal - possibly a lion, based on what looks like a mane around the neck, but equally possibly a dog, based on the posture. The legs are carefully depicted, long and thin with the front legs crossed at the front of the body and the back legs folded so that the animal sits in a remarkably docile posture. The head is tilted upwards, with small, impressed dots for pupils in elongated, diamond-shaped eyes classic of the Nok style. The mouth is wide open, with no teeth. This creature is from an understudied ceramic tradition that represents the artistic output of one of Africa's earliest centers of ironworking and pottery production. Size: 2.45" W x 6.5" H (6.2 cm x 16.5 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: the late Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#128600

Small losses on base, probably where it was once attached to a vessel. Surface shows signs of weathering and pigment loss that are common in most Nok artwork. Two tiny holes drilled on back and base for TL test.