Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure, Based

A long, earnest face, a braided headband, and a beard that runs all the way down.

This funerary figure, based, is Koma, from northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Koma figures come from burial mounds in northern Ghana, and while their purpose is still debated, they are generally linked to funerary or commemorative rites. The head is modeled with heavy brows, a prominent nose and an open mouth showing teeth. Vertical ridges form a long beard, and a twisted band crosses the brow. The body tapers to a point below. Mounted on a black stand, it is 2 inches wide and 8 high.

He has the look of someone about to say something important.