Head fragment ·  Nigeria, Benin · ID: 3034371

Description

ancient ivory, brown patina, traces of black paint, the face characterized by large eyes and vertical scarification marks on forehead, cheeks and chin, high towering coiffure coated with a net of coral beads, the back slightly vaulted, according to the natural form of the tusk, dam. (mouth), traces of old age, socle;
presumably originating from a reliefed tusk with used to be inserted in “oba” memorial heads.