Beninese Ceramic Mini Bust

Every line on the face runs the same way, as if the wind was blowing from the brow.

This mini bust comes from Benin, West Africa, and dates to the 19th century or earlier. It is terra cotta. Terra cotta heads have a long history in this part of West Africa, with meanings that differ by place and period. The head is covered in deep vertical grooves that run from the crown down across the face. Almond eyes, a broad nose and parted lips stand out in relief, and small ears sit at the sides. The neck rests on a ringed collar. It is 3 inches wide, 5 deep and 5 high.

Small enough to hold, serious enough to listen.