Terra-Cotta Head
Akan, Ghana
Early 20th Century

Akan terra-cotta heads are usually associated within a funerary context. Portrait like, these figures often served to commemorate the dead. While often highly naturalistic, this example is more stylized with an elongated and flattened head, aquiline nose, hooded eyes, and arched brows. Subtle remains of striations are visible down the figure's neck. This is a common feature associated with positive qualities in Akan rulers. The terra-cotta is given a light cream/grey color from the temper used to strengthen the qualities of the clay.

Height: 7 1/2 in.
IN. 1-15-15/ SOLD