Bura Figurative Vessel Top, Based

It leans forward, just slightly, as if about to say something.

Archaeological finds along the Niger River show that the Bura placed sculpted pieces like this over funerary vessels. This one dates to the 11th to 15th centuries. A round head tilts slightly forward on a long cylindrical neck. A sharp crest runs from the crown down to the nose, the almond eyes are outlined in relief, the mouth is a small oval, and rounded ears stand out at each side.

The surface is rough and pitted, the orange clay mottled by darker deposits. Eight and a quarter inches on its ring mount. Lean in and listen.