Portrait Head (Mma) from Vessel (Abusua kuruwa)

Artist:Akan

Medium: Terracotta

Geograhical Locations:

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)

Collections:

Accession Number: 2010.82.1

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.

Brooklyn Museum