Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure

A rough little figure in the color of earth, still carrying its own clay grain.

This funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century, in terra cotta. Koma terra cotta figures are generally associated with burial sites in northern Ghana, and their meaning is still debated among scholars. This one is simple and elongated, with a flat, domed head, a swelling torso and two stubby legs. Small rounded bumps mark the chest, and one arm bends toward the middle, while the other hangs at the side. The clay is dark brown and pitted, with a gritty surface. It is 2 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 4.75 high.

Modest in size, and ancient in attitude.