Bura Figurative Funerary Marker, Based

Closed eyes, a straight nose, a small mouth. And across the brow and cheeks, diagonal lines that look much like scarification.

This stone figure was carved by the Bura culture of Niger between the 11th and 15th centuries and once stood as a funerary marker. Archaeological finds along the Niger River valley show that the Bura set sculpted stones and jars at burial sites. More chevron lines run down the narrow body, and small projections at the sides suggest ears or shoulders. The buff stone is weathered and lightly mottled.

Just under a foot tall. The face is calm enough to share.