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African & Tribal Art :
Dakakari : African Art / Dakakari Terracotta Sculpture of a Woman
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African Art / Dakakari Terracotta Sculpture of a Woman - PF.5139
Origin: Northern Nigeria
Circa: 1500
AD
to 1800
AD
Dimensions:
19" (48.3cm) high
x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$4,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Certainly one of the most unusual depictions of the female body, this remarkable sculpture excites both the senses and the intellect. The facial features of the small head are thickly modeled, with eyes formed into a crescent shape as part of very thick upper eyebrows. The nose is wide and flattened with deep flaring nostrils, the mouth circular in shape and wide open. Textural detail is abundant with vertical scarification along the cheeks, short horizontal slashes down the nose and on the eyelids. Around the neck is a heavy band suggesting a collar or necklace. The body is bulbous with protruding breasts and short arms. Long vertical and horizontal lines decorate the torso. Below a thick striated waistband the genitals are clearly delineated, though precise definition is abandoned in the tubular, straight legs. The artist's intent was clearly focused on the expressive quality of the face, which demonstrates a full range of emotions. This sculpture may have been intended as a fertility figure, or representation of an ancestor. What is most profound is the feeling of awe, of homage and reverence the figure presents, as if she is completely absorbed in a trance witnessing the unknown world of spirit.
- (PF.5139)
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