Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure, Based

A grin with a gap in it, under a beaded crown.

This funerary figure, based, is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Koma heads are typically small enough to hold in one hand, and many share the same arrangement of headband, eyes, nose and mouth, varied with considerable individuality. A row of beaded clay runs around the brow above two small, round eyes. The mouth is wide and open, its upper lip curling back, and ridged bands fill the chin below. The body continues as a long, tapering post. It is 7 inches high and 2.5 wide.

Same recipe, entirely different personality.