Koma Terra Cotta Funerary Figure

Cylindrical head with a hollow crown, a fringe of fine notches and a mournful mouth.

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Koma people of northern Ghana are known for terra cotta figures, and scholars continue to discuss how the works were originally made and used. Stout and column-like, with a shallow cup at the top and a row of tiny incised ticks forming a brow. Almond eyes sit above a wavy, creased mouth. The tan surface sits on a rusty, rough, flared base that looks added or repaired. It is 2 inches wide, 2.25 deep and 3 high.

Part face, part flowerpot, entirely committed to looking serious.