**Originally Listed At $300**

West Africa, Bura Asinda-Sikka, southwest Niger, ca. 3rd to 13th centuries CE. A fascinating hollow pottery figure of column form with a circular base and domed top in a hue of deep grey. The intriguing character presents with a full-lipped mouth, open as though mid-speech or chant, a prominent arched nose, two tab-shaped ears, each incised with a pair of small dots, and a petite erect phallus near the base. A rounded headdress decorated with a border of small dots caps the head of this figure. A remarkable example from Bura Asinda Sikka culture! Size: 2.75" in diameter x 10.125" H (7 cm x 25.7 cm)

Little is known about this archaeological site, which was discovered and excavated only in the last few decades. It is a necropolis that was filled with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figurines, frequently placed above inhumation-style burials; many of these burials had accompanying grave goods such as bronze jewelry, iron weapons, and glass beads (the latter indicating that this culture had trade ties across the Sahara with North Africa). Figures like this one are thought to represent individuals rather than having been mass produced.

Provenance: private Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Joshua Dimondstein collection; ex-Mark Clayton collection

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#158249

Chip to left proper side of nose. Nicks/chips throughout with some pitting, abrasions, and scratches in areas, as well as a few nicks to base, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with rich earthen deposits.