Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure

Leaning slightly forward, as if to catch a word.

The Koma terra cottas of northern Ghana come from burial sites and are associated with commemoration of the dead. This figure was modeled between the 13th and 17th centuries. The elongated head tips forward above a tapering, cone-like body. Features are simply made: a broad nose, a projecting chin, dark mineral patches marking the eyes and mouth. The buff-orange clay is lightly pitted and dotted with small dark inclusions.

Six inches tall on a slender stand. A strong personality, in a small package.