Bura Figurative Vessel Top, Based

Nearly an egg. Two slits, a small opening, a round mouth, and no more.

The Bura people of Niger made this vessel top between the 11th and 15th centuries. Bura potters made such heads to sit above jars marking burials, in a wide range of styles. Here the features are pared to a minimum. Two angled slits are the eyes, a small opening sits at the side, and a round, raised mouth near the base completes it.

The pale tan clay is speckled and weathered, its surface softly worn. Six inches tall on a slim rod and square base. Abstract, and perfectly at ease about it.