Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure, Based

One round eye survives in full, giving the face a look of permanent surprise.

This funerary figure, based, is Koma, from northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. The Koma figures, found in mounds across northern Ghana, are generally associated with burial or commemoration, though scholars continue to debate their exact purpose. The head is simplified to a broad brow, a large ringed eye, a short nose and a small, pursed mouth. Below, the long body narrows to a rounded point. The clay is rough, sandy and brick red. It is mounted on a black stand and is 2.5 inches wide and 8 high.

Startled once, centuries ago, and never quite recovered.