Portrait Head (Mma) from Vessel (Abusua kuruwa)
Arts of Africa
MEDIUM
Terracotta
DATES
19th–early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
6 x 3 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (15.2 x 9.8 x 3.8 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2010.82.1
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Drs. John I. and Nicole Dintenfass
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Small terracotta portrait head (mma), likely from the top of a ceremonial vessel (abusua kuruwa), in style conventionally associated with site of Ahinsan. The head is largely triangular and flat in shape, with the face concentrated in the lower half, comprising: two raised, arched eyebrows, two 'coffee-bean' shaped eyes, a small, pointed nose, raised lips and two flat, half-circle ears projecting from either side. The coiffure is composed of a series of raised 'coffee-bean' and swirling forms, in a zone separated from the face by an arched ridge that echoes the eyebrows below. Surface has slight singes from firing, and a speckled composition.
Condition: very good.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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