Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure, Based

Thirteenth to seventeenth century, northern Ghana. Clay, and someone’s memory.

Figures like this have been recovered from ancient mounds in the Koma-Bulsa region, where they appear to have been placed in connection with burial and commemoration. This Koma example is terra cotta. The body is a cylindrical post that rises into a boldly modeled head. Round ringed eyes sit above a projecting open mouth with ridged lips. An incised beard and a hatched hairline frame the face.

The orange-buff clay darkens toward the base. Six inches tall, on wire brackets over a black stand. The face has plenty to say. Let it.