Koma land figure – Terracotta – Ghana

Characteristic standing male figure, the head displays a cavity with a central hole, which is a frequent feature of ‘Komaland figures’.
In the 1980s, the first red-clay figures representing this typical style were discovered by chance in Northern Ghana. They came from large, flat tumuli. In the 1990s, the area in which the Koma Builsa tribe lives today became the object of more careful examination. Sculptures of this type have been called ‘Komaland figures’ since then. Thermoluminescence testing revealed an average age between the 13th and 18th centuries.
Good condition with a beautiful aged patina. Large and heavy piece, total weight: 6.5 Kg.

Provenance: Justin Barthels (1934-2021), gallery owner Maastricht (NL).