Bura Figurative Vessel Top, Based

Not every face wants to be recognized.

The Bura of Niger set sculpted heads above funerary jars in their burial grounds, and the range runs from the naturalistic to the stark and mask-like. This terra cotta vessel top, from the 11th to 15th centuries, is firmly the latter. A broad, flat form with a rounded top. A long, straight nose. Two small punched eyes, round knobs for ears, a small round mouth. A fine crack runs down the lower face. The clay is bright, grainy orange, flecked with tiny pale inclusions.

Nine inches, on a metal stand. It says exactly as much as it means to.