Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure

Calm, grey and bearded, with a gentle open mouth and rounded shoulders.

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Koma people of northern Ghana are known for terra cotta figures, and scholars continue to discuss how the works were originally made and used. Narrow, upright form in cool slate-brown, with a small, bearded head and parted lips. Rounded shoulders carry stubby arms, and a ridged band marks the waist above a plain, tube-like lower body. It is 3.5 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 7 high.

A face of mild surprise, set above very settled shoulders.