Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure, Based

Northern Ghana has mounds. Under the mounds, in the old days, the Koma made terracotta figures.

This one dates to between the 13th and 17th centuries. Koma figures have turned up in ancient burial mounds, and are understood to be connected with rites for the dead. It stands nine inches tall. The head sits on a long, tapering form beneath a cylindrical cap edged by a beaded band. Heavy brows, deep-set eyes, a broad nose and thick, stacked lips give the face its character.

The sandy, reddish-brown clay is weathered and slightly encrusted from burial. A slim stand lets you walk around it. Do. It’s worth the trip.