An ancient Sub-Saharan terracotta zoomorphic figure with simian features

Availability: In Stock

An ancient Sub-Saharan terracotta zoomorphic figure with simian features
Stock Number:
01701
$ 3500.00

Description

An ancient Sub-Saharan terracotta zoomorphic figure with simian features.
The crudely formed figure is portrayed lying down with head raised and slightly turned, and with a curling tail, giving it a sense of animation. The creature's facial features, fur on the crown of head and claws are all incised.
Both the upper body of the animal and the flattened underside are covered in networks of incised arcane symbols that appear not to belong to any known script, but which almost certainly would have carried magical significance.
Stylistically the figure closely resembles the Sao culture terracotta figurines from the Lake Chad area, known to have been produced predominantly in the 12th-13th century. However, the fact that magical symbols are not attested on Sao terracottas suggests a different cultural source, probably further to the east.
Rejoined on three legs.

 

Origin:

Pre 16th century A.D. Originally acquired in Sudan; ex private collection, U.K.

Dimensions:

Length: 20 cm / Height: 12.3 cm