Nigeria

This particular Nok head is distinguished by its flaring nostrils, pierced eyes, and asymmetrical hairstyle. The sculpture’s geometric regularity reflects an art form that was highly refined, requiring careful planning. Named after the village of Nok in central eastern Nigeria, this culture thrived from about 500 to 50 BCE and emerged at one of the earliest known iron-smelting sites in Africa. Due to limited archaeological evidence, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the development of Nok culture and the purposes of its terracotta statuary. It has been suggested that the society may have been governed by a system of kingship. Other sculptures from this tradition include figures of heavily armed and decorated warriors, dwarfs, and heads of sacred animals, all associated with kingship.

The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.