Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure

Slim, standing and decked in beads, with a pierced mouth and shoulder flares.

This Koma terra cotta funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa. The Koma people of northern Ghana are known for terra cotta figures, and scholars continue to discuss how the works were originally made and used. Upright body with a flat-topped head, round eyes and a pierced, open mouth. Flared, ruffled shoulders support a beaded necklace and chest ornament. The narrow body ends in short, bent legs. The color is a pale grey-tan with dark scuffs at the feet. It is 4 inches wide, 3 deep and 6.5 high.

Dressed up, standing tall, and a little awkward about it.