13th C. Nigerian Ife Terracotta Head with Conical Cap, TL Tested

West Africa, Nigeria, Ife culture, ca. 1237–1517 CE. A terracotta head capped by a tall cone that rises from the brow to a blunt point. The front of the cap carries a faint stepped motif in low relief, perhaps an emblem or ornament, and a thick rolled band runs around the base of the cap like a fillet. Beneath it the face is broad and compact. It has heavy-lidded almond eyes, a wide flattened nose, and a parted mouth pierced through to the hollow interior. A series of stacked horizontal rolls under the lips forms the chin, or perhaps a ringed beard, which narrows to a point and echoes the cone above. The coarse, sandy fabric is a warm buff color, and the head is mounted on a custom acrylic stand. The cap, which may have signaled rank or a ritual role, gives the head a distinctive silhouette. Size: 9.5" L x 4.7" Diam (24.1 cm L x 11.9 cm Diam).

This piece was tested by thermoluminescence (TL) analysis at Daybreak Laboratory on 12/23/1997, and the results are consistent with the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-estate of Dr. Adolfo Gonzalez, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired 1985 to 2005

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Item #205738

Condition
Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Repaired with break line visible. Weathering and abrasions to surface, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remaining detail. Tl hole to verso.