Terracotta Head

Akan, Ghana
19th-early 20th century

Provenance: Private American collection.
This elegant terracotta head is most likely an idealized representation of an Akan ruler or person of import. The Akan used distinctive aesthetic styles when representing their rulers. A serene expression, well balanced features, and long striated neck, like in this example, where heavily used. These heads would have been part of sculptural assemblages, preserving the memory of the deceased.