Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure

Northern Ghana keeps its secrets in mounds. Koma terracottas have been recovered from ancient burial mounds there, and are generally understood to have played a part in funerary and commemorative practice.

This small head dates to between the 13th and 17th centuries. About three and a half inches tall, it is modeled as a hollow, cup-like form with a broad face. The coiled eyes are round and set wide apart. A long ridge makes the nose. Full, layered lips stretch across a wide mouth. The surface is warm rust-red earth, gritty and softly worn, with traces of burial soil still in the recesses.

It has been underground a long time. It seems untroubled.