Bura Figurative Vessel Top, Based

Two round eyes, a nose, and a mouth set in a straight, untroubled line.

This figurative vessel top is Bura, from Niger, West Africa, and dates to the 11th to 15th century. It is terra cotta, mounted on a base. Bura terra cottas come from burial sites along the Niger River, where jars topped with heads and figures are generally thought to have marked graves, though much about their meaning remains unsettled. This one is a long, columnar body crowned by a small face, with arms held close to the sides. The clay is a warm orange, roughened and pitted by age. It is 3 inches wide and 10 high.

A figure of few words, and all of them patient.