Koma Janiform Funerary Figure

Two heads on one sturdy body, each leaning slightly away from the other.

This janiform funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Double-headed forms are among the less common Koma terracottas, and whether they represent twins, pairs or a single being seen two ways is generally left open. A broad, rounded base rises into two short necks that split apart into a wide U. Each head is hollow at the top, with a projecting lip or snout facing outward. The clay is a rough pinkish brown, mottled with paler patches. It is 4.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 3.75 high.

Two points of view, sharing the same footing.