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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Nok, Katsina, Sokoto : Sokoto Terracotta Sculpture of a Man
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Sokoto Terracotta Sculpture of a Man - PF.5782
Origin: Nigeria
Circa: 500
BC
to 200
AD
Dimensions:
11.5" (29.2cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Sokoto style emerged alongside the Nok and
Katsina cultures. Discovered through
archaeological expeditions in the 1940’s, almost
nothing is known about the society or its
customs other than the spectacular terracotta
sculptures they left behind. Alas, were it not for
these artifacts, their culture might have been
completely forgotten. Fortunately, works such as
this Sokoto sculpture survive, a hint of the
sophistication and beauty of their artistry. These
sculptures represent some of the oldest artistic
creations in Sub-Sahara Africa and could be the
mother culture from which the stylistic
tendencies that continue to be pervasive
throughout black African art today originated.
The most obvious lasting influence of these
styles is the disproportionate emphasis placed
on the head.
This Sokoto sculpture of a male is a perfect
example of the Sokoto style. The most
distinctive feature, and the hallmark of the
Sokoto art, is the figure’s prominent, linear brow.
The horizontal lines almost seem to connect,
covering the indented eyes in shadow.
Otherwise, much of the modeling is related to
the Katsina and Nok styles, including the nose
and mouth structures. However, some of the
sculptural elaborations of this piece are truly
remarkable, such as the diagonal grid pattern
above his eyes perhaps representing bushy
eyebrows or ritual scarification. The texture of
the figure’s beard is elaborated by a series of
vertical linear incisions. The headdress is also
quite extraordinary and is topped by a small
central peak in the center of his head. Other
series of engraved lines probably represent
bracelets and necklaces. Overall, this sculpture
is indicative of the artistic mastery achieved by
these once forgotten Ancient West African
sculptors.
- (PF.5782)
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