bulbous eyes

Made of 100% Terracotta

Model is W 18 - H 57 - D 20 and weight 5 kg

This piece depicting a kneeling or sitting chief was made by the Nok people of Nigeria. The piece is a classic of the Ala Katsina terracotta style and the technique is influenced by the traditional wood sculpting of the Tellem people of Mali. 

Little is known of the original function of the pieces, but theories include ancestor portrayal, grave markers, and charms to prevent crop failure, infertility, and illness. Also, based on the dome-shaped bases found on several figures, they could have been used as finials for the roofs of ancient structures.