African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura-Asinda-Sikka Culture’, 3rd-11th c. AD: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura-Asinda-Sikka Culture’, 3rd-11th c. AD: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
The archaeological ‘Bura culture’ was first discovered in 1975 to the northwest of Niamey, the capital of the state of Niger, and in neighbouring Burkina Faso. The stylistically unequivocal, typical terracotta finds have been dated to the period between the third and the eleventh centuries AD.
The present head sculpture is made of baked terracotta and is characteristic for the ‘Bura culture’: the oval, sand-coloured head displays coffee bean eyes, a long, vertical nose, an open mouth and low-set ears. Remains of a plaited coiffure on the back. With good patina and only minor damage (slightly scuffed and small pieces broken off on the reverse). 3rd to 11th century AD; H: 13.5 cm, B: 8.3 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 91
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 625.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,000.- to EUR 1,200.-
African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura-Asinda-Sikka Culture’, 3rd-11th c. AD: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
The archaeological ‘Bura culture’ was first discovered in 1975 to the northwest of Niamey, the capital of the state of Niger, and in neighbouring Burkina Faso. The stylistically unequivocal, typical terracotta finds have been dated to the period between the third and the eleventh centuries AD.
The present head sculpture is made of baked terracotta and is characteristic for the ‘Bura culture’: the oval, sand-coloured head displays coffee bean eyes, a long, vertical nose, an open mouth and low-set ears. Remains of a plaited coiffure on the back. With good patina and only minor damage (slightly scuffed and small pieces broken off on the reverse). 3rd to 11th century AD; H: 13.5 cm, B: 8.3 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 91
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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