Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure

Head tipped back, mouth wide open, fingers spread across the belly.

This funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Koma terra cottas are known largely from burial mounds in northern Ghana, and their meaning is still a matter of scholarly discussion. This small torso has a round head with a deep open mouth and a jutting chin. A single rounded ear sits at the side. Two small breasts mark the chest, the arms run close to the body, and the hands meet at the waist with each finger incised. It is 1.8 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 4.5 high.

Mid-gasp, and holding it with great conviction.