Terracotta human head, Nok culture, Nigeria, ca. 900 – 300 BC, 21 x 16.5 x 14.6 cm

Sculpted objects

Material: Clay/Ceramic | Type: Sculptures/Relief carving | Countries: Nigeria

  • Period

    900 BC – early 20th century AD

  • Red List

    Red List – West Africa

Category

Sculpted objects
Terracotta, clay, stone, metal. Monoliths, plaques, statues and statuettes. Standing or seated figures.
Possible traces of patina or paint. Round or oval heads, often large compared to the rest of the body. Prominent eyebrows. Well-defined, sometimes open, mouths. Large ears. Ringed necks.

Bearded men. Women with smooth or sculpted hair, with chignons or braids. Arms extended alongside the body, bent or folded across the chest. Drooping breasts. Scarified body. Prominent navel. May be wearing jewellery or accessories, sometimes sculpted on the material itself.
© Yale University Art Gallery, USA