Koma Ceramic Funerary Figure, Based

Two dark holes for a nose, a slot for a mouth and a beard combed in ridges.

This based funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Openings pierced through the face are common on Koma heads, and since many heads are hollow, they may have had a practical role in firing as well as an expressive one. A plain band runs along the brow over faint, heavy-lidded eyes, a short nose with two dark openings and a pierced mouth. A ridged beard frames the chin, and the long body tapers below. It is 8.75 inches high and 2.5 wide.

Dignified, with a slight air of surprise.