Overview
A tall terracotta head in the Nok tradition of Nigeria. The long, column-like head has pierced round eyes, pierced nostrils and a wide, round open mouth, which gives the face a striking, expressive look. The top of the head rises into a lobed crest, and rows of fine horizontal incised lines run around the back of the head, suggesting a hairstyle or head covering. The coarse buff-orange clay is full of small white mineral grains, which gives the surface a speckled, granular look. It is mounted on a metal pin set into a black block base, standing about 12 inches high in all, and makes a strong piece for a shelf, mantel or a collection of African terracotta.
About Age and Authenticity
This piece comes from a collection lot (ex Barnes) in which a companion piece was thermoluminescence (TL) tested by Artemis Testing Lab in February 2021, with an estimated age of about 2,200 years (±350). 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
The Nok culture of central Nigeria is known for some of the earliest figurative terracotta sculpture in sub-Saharan Africa. Nok heads often have pierced eyes, nostrils and mouths, and many show elaborate hairstyles or headwear. Some heads, like this one, have an open mouth. This head is a fragment of a larger figure and is unmarked. It is from an ex Barnes collection batch (Jerald Barnes, an American collector who lived in West Africa for over a decade).
Condition
A fragment broken at the neck, with wear along the break. The surface is weathered and granular, with earth deposits in the pierced openings and incised lines. There is a small dark line on the forehead above the right eye. No repairs are visible. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The head is about 6.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches (H x W x D), and about 12 inches high on its stand. The head and stand together weigh about 4 lb 0.1 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
