Nr. 103097829

Solgt
Et terrakottahode - Komaland - Ghana  (Ingen reservasjonspris)
Siste bud
€ 85
2 uker siden

Et terrakottahode - Komaland - Ghana (Ingen reservasjonspris)

The present fragmentary terracotta head from the Komaland region in northern Ghana belongs to a distinctive archaeological corpus discovered across the savanna zones near Yikpabongo and neighboring sites. This area, situated in the upper reaches of the Volta basin, has yielded a large number of terracotta fragments dated roughly between the 6th and 13th centuries, making it one of the most significant sculptural traditions in West Africa outside the better-known Nok region. Please note that in absence of laboratory tests, the attribution is provided for reference only, based on our knowledge and experience in the field. Incl stand. The head fragments are typically modeled in coarse terracotta with visible inclusions, reflecting locally sourced clay and relatively low firing temperatures. Surfaces often retain traces of burnishing, though erosion is common due to burial conditions. A defining regional characteristic is the treatment of the eyes, which may appear exaggerated, tubular, or ringed, giving the face a striking, almost schematic expression. This feature distinguishes Komaland material from other West African terracotta traditions. The fragmentation seen today is typical, as most finds come from secondary deposition contexts rather than intact structures. Geographically, Komaland lies in the northern regions of Ghana, closer to the Burkina Faso border, within a dry savanna environment that contrasts with the forested zones further south. This setting influences both the preservation and the material qualities of the terracottas. Compared to southern Akan-related sculptural traditions, Komaland works are more archaic in appearance, with a stronger emphasis on abstraction and structural simplicity. The fragmentary nature of these heads does not diminish their formal coherence; even in partial condition, they convey a clear sculptural language defined by bold volumes, simplified anatomy, and a consistent approach to facial construction. These characteristics allow them to be securely attributed to the Komaland tradition within the broader archaeological landscape of northern Ghana. Lit.: Anquandah, James (1982). Rediscovering Ghana’s Past. London: Longman. Anquandah, James (1993). “Komaland: Excavations and Cultural Sequence.” Insoll, Timothy (2013). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge University Press. Insoll, Timothy; Kankpeyeng, Benjamin; MacLean, Rachel (2009). “The Komaland Terracottas of Northern Ghana.” African Arts. Kankpeyeng, Benjamin W. (2005). “Excavations at Yikpabongo and the Komaland Terracottas.” Insoll, Timothy (2006). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Stahl, Ann Brower (2001). Making History in Banda. Cambridge University Press.

Nr. 103097829

Solgt
Et terrakottahode - Komaland - Ghana  (Ingen reservasjonspris)

Et terrakottahode - Komaland - Ghana (Ingen reservasjonspris)

The present fragmentary terracotta head from the Komaland region in northern Ghana belongs to a distinctive archaeological corpus discovered across the savanna zones near Yikpabongo and neighboring sites. This area, situated in the upper reaches of the Volta basin, has yielded a large number of terracotta fragments dated roughly between the 6th and 13th centuries, making it one of the most significant sculptural traditions in West Africa outside the better-known Nok region. Please note that in absence of laboratory tests, the attribution is provided for reference only, based on our knowledge and experience in the field. Incl stand.

The head fragments are typically modeled in coarse terracotta with visible inclusions, reflecting locally sourced clay and relatively low firing temperatures. Surfaces often retain traces of burnishing, though erosion is common due to burial conditions.

A defining regional characteristic is the treatment of the eyes, which may appear exaggerated, tubular, or ringed, giving the face a striking, almost schematic expression. This feature distinguishes Komaland material from other West African terracotta traditions. The fragmentation seen today is typical, as most finds come from secondary deposition contexts rather than intact structures.

Geographically, Komaland lies in the northern regions of Ghana, closer to the Burkina Faso border, within a dry savanna environment that contrasts with the forested zones further south. This setting influences both the preservation and the material qualities of the terracottas. Compared to southern Akan-related sculptural traditions, Komaland works are more archaic in appearance, with a stronger emphasis on abstraction and structural simplicity.

The fragmentary nature of these heads does not diminish their formal coherence; even in partial condition, they convey a clear sculptural language defined by bold volumes, simplified anatomy, and a consistent approach to facial construction. These characteristics allow them to be securely attributed to the Komaland tradition within the broader archaeological landscape of northern Ghana.

Lit.: Anquandah, James (1982). Rediscovering Ghana’s Past. London: Longman. Anquandah, James (1993). “Komaland: Excavations and Cultural Sequence.” Insoll, Timothy (2013). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge University Press. Insoll, Timothy; Kankpeyeng, Benjamin; MacLean, Rachel (2009).
“The Komaland Terracottas of Northern Ghana.” African Arts. Kankpeyeng, Benjamin W. (2005). “Excavations at Yikpabongo and the Komaland Terracottas.” Insoll, Timothy (2006). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Stahl, Ann Brower (2001). Making History in Banda. Cambridge University Press.

Siste bud
€ 85
Julien Gauthier
Ekspert
Estimat  € 150 - € 200

Lignende objekter

For deg

Afrikansk kunst og stammekunst

Legg inn et søkevarsel
Angi et søkevarsel for å bli varslet når nye treff er tilgjengelige.

Dette objektet ble vist i

                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    

Hvordan kjøpe på Catawiki

Les mer om vår kjøperbeskyttelse

      1. Oppdag noe spesielt

      Bla gjennom tusenvis av spesielle objekter valgt av eksperter. Se bilder, detaljer og estimert verdi av hvert spesialobjekt. 

      2. Legg inn det høyeste budet

      Finn noe du liker, og legg inn det øverste budet. Du kan følge auksjonen til slutten eller la systemet vårt gjøre budgivningen for deg. Alt du trenger å gjøre er å angi et bud for det maksimale beløpet du vil betale. 

      3. Å gjøre en sikker betaling

      Betal for dine spesielle objekter og vi holder betalingen sikker til objektet ditt kommer trygt og godt frem. Vi bruker et pålitelig betalingssystem for å håndtere alle transaksjoner. 

Har du noe lignende å selge?

Enten du er ny på nettauksjoner eller profesjonell selger, kan vi hjelpe deg med å tjene mer for dine spesielle gjenstander.

Selg objektet ditt