Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure, Based

That smile is probably a beard. Look again anyway.

This terra cotta funerary figure is by the Koma people of Ghana, 13th to 17th century. Koma figures were found in burial mounds in northern Ghana and are generally associated with honoring the dead. The hollow open top is ringed by a notched, rope-like band. Below are round eyes, a pointed nose, and a wide mouth framed by curved ridges that suggest a smile and beard. The body narrows to a rounded point.

Reddish clay, worn and lightly pitted. Seven inches tall.

Cheerful, for a mound.