Equestrian figure ·  Nigeria, Dakakari · ID: 3035064

Description

light beige terracotta, voluminous forms, hollow, tribe-typical face, slightly dam., minor missing parts (feet), rest. (legs), plate;
the Dakakari have become known for their terracotta grave sculptures, which are placed on the burial places of important personalities. K.-F. Schädler differentiated six categories of terracotta grave scuptures. One of them are equestrian figures, like the present, who are said to depict army leaders. The mouths are almost always open, and regarded in some villages as a sign of mourning. Religious pottery is only made within certain families, the knowledge and technique being passed from mother to daugther.

Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 166 f.