Overview
A small terracotta head attributed to the Bankoni tradition of southern Mali, mounted on a black display stand. The head has a smooth, domed crown, heavy applied coil eyelids that give the eyes a closed, inward look, a long, straight wedge-shaped nose and applied ears. The lower face projects forward. The surface is grey-tan with traces of red-orange color in the recesses and around the face. It suits a shelf, desk or small collection of African terracotta.
About Age and Authenticity
This piece comes from an ex Barnes collection batch in which other pieces were thermoluminescence (TL) tested with positive results. This piece itself has not been tested. We make no claim about its age and sell it as is. Buyers are welcome to arrange their own TL testing.
Background
Bankoni terracottas are named after a site near Bamako in Mali and belong to the wider Inland Niger Delta terracotta tradition best known from Djenné-Jeno, generally dated to roughly the 12th to 16th centuries CE. Figures in this tradition are known for long, simplified forms and applied features. This head is from an ex Barnes collection batch (Jerald Barnes, an American collector who lived in West Africa for over a decade).
Condition
A head from a larger figure, with a worn edge at the neck. One ear has a rough, worn edge. The mouth and chin area has a rougher, encrusted texture with a small hole. There are no known repairs. The head is fixed with adhesive to a curved metal rod and cannot be removed from the black wood stand. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The head is about 3.0 inches high, 2.0 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep (H x W x D), and stands about 4.5 inches high on its stand. Head and stand together weigh about 4.2 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
