Bura Figurative Vessel Top Based

Narrow eyes, like coffee beans. A forehead scored by one long vertical ridge.

The Bura culture of the Niger River valley is known for terra cotta jars and figures associated with burial, many topped with stylized heads. This is such a head, made between the 11th and 15th centuries, seven inches tall. Elongated. The mouth is open. Rows of small applied pellets frame the eyes and temples. The reddish clay carries dark mineral deposits and earthy encrustation. A slim metal stand lifts it for close viewing.

It has the look of someone who has heard everything.