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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Bura : Bura Terracotta Head
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Bura Terracotta Head - PF.4659
Origin: Burkina Faso/Niger
Circa: 3
rd
Century AD
to 11
th
Century AD
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$1,200.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The early terracottas from the Niger river region
are known for their power and elemental
simplicity. Often they are small heads made with
such delicacy and restraint they seem a gift of
nature; a thing rare and lovely that transcends
the tangle of the world and occupies its own
space of pure tranquility. This delightful
head belongs in this exclusive category of
sculpture which seem primitive, and yet very
modern at the same time. It's face is oval with
close set eyes, long nose and petite mouth.
Striations in the form of three vertical lines on
each cheek and forehead indicate ritual
scarification; and suggest this may be a portrait
bust of an important ancestor. There is an
impression of someone with a very endearing
nature; gentle and wise, of no particular age,
who offers compassion and understanding to
whomever he meets. A childlike quality blends
with sophistication to become many things at
once- child and venerable elder, man and
woman, human and spirit. With clever use of
material and a refined imagination, a sculptor
long ago has left us an enduring work of art.
- (PF.4659)
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