African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura Asinda-Sikka culture’, 3rd-11th century A.D.: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura Asinda-Sikka culture’, 3rd-11th century A.D.: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
The ‘Bura culture’ was first discovered in 1975 to the northwest of Niamey, the capital of the state of Niger, and in neighbouring Burkina Faso. Its stylistically unequivocal, typical terracotta finds have been dated to the period between the third and the eleventh centuries AD. The present head sculpture made of reddish, fully carved, baked terracotta is characteristic of the ‘Bura culture’ style: A flat, slightly oval head, with nose, mouth and a hairstyle consisting of two plaits on each side at the back of the head. The head rests on a thick, round neck ending in an all-round knopped bulge at the base. Remains of the lower margin display a pattern of slanted lines in relief. A visibly old, archaeological find with appropriate patina and some damage that probably goes back to the time of the discovery itself (a hole in the forehead and some tears developing from it, partly glued, as well as chipped areas).
3rd to 11th century; H: 16 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection. Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 91, 92.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
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EUR 1.000,- a EUR 1.200,-
African archaeology, Niger, ‘Bura Asinda-Sikka culture’, 3rd-11th century A.D.: A so-called ‘memorial head’ made of terracotta.
The ‘Bura culture’ was first discovered in 1975 to the northwest of Niamey, the capital of the state of Niger, and in neighbouring Burkina Faso. Its stylistically unequivocal, typical terracotta finds have been dated to the period between the third and the eleventh centuries AD. The present head sculpture made of reddish, fully carved, baked terracotta is characteristic of the ‘Bura culture’ style: A flat, slightly oval head, with nose, mouth and a hairstyle consisting of two plaits on each side at the back of the head. The head rests on a thick, round neck ending in an all-round knopped bulge at the base. Remains of the lower margin display a pattern of slanted lines in relief. A visibly old, archaeological find with appropriate patina and some damage that probably goes back to the time of the discovery itself (a hole in the forehead and some tears developing from it, partly glued, as well as chipped areas).
3rd to 11th century; H: 16 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection. Lit.: ‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 91, 92.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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Hotline dell'acquirente
lun-ven: 10.00 - 17.00
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Asta: | Arte Tribale |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |