A terracotta Akan head, Ghana, of rounded shape, composed of graceful features showing a serene and calm expression, eyes are closed, small rounded mounts on the head for the hairdo, scarification traces on the cheeks and forehead.

"As early as 1602, Pieter de Marees published detailed observations of his travels on the west coast of Africa. One such observation noted the funerary rituals of Akan "Kings": "All his possessions, such as his weapons and clothes, are buried with him and all his Nobles who used to serve him are modelled from life in earth, painted and put in a row all around the Grave, side by side." (De Marees, Description and Historical Account of the Gold Kingdom of Guinea (1602) (Fontes Historiae Africanae), Oxford, 1987, pp. 184-185)."

Source: Sothebys

"In much of Africa, clay is an artistic medium primarily associated with women. European visitors to this region in the mid-nineteenth century documented a related Akan tradition of lifesize funerary sculpture crafted by female artists. Although earlier accounts did not identify the producers of these smaller memorial heads, it is probable that they were created by female sculptors as well."

Source: The MET

sold

Height: 32 cm
Weight: 3,5 kg