Bura Figurative Vessel Top, Based

Niger, between the 11th and 15th centuries. The living put something over the dead, and the something had a face.

The Bura are known chiefly through their burial sites, where clay vessels, some crowned with stylized heads like this one, were set over interments. This terra cotta top is a simple upright column with a softly rounded crown. The face is reduced to a raised brow ridge and short nose, above a row of small pierced holes for the eyes, with more at the sides. Pale buff clay, mottled with lighter mineral deposits and fine cracks.

Six and a half inches on a custom metal stand. Quiet company.