Losso Sculpture - Niamtougou Region, Northern Togo The sculpture is characterized by a radical reduction of the human form. Two short, sturdy legs rise from an oval base, supporting an almost closed, cylindrical body. A bulge around the base marks its lower edge. The domed head merges almost seamlessly into the torso, lacking a neck; the face is merely suggested by small notches. Groups of parallel and intersecting incised lines cover the head and body, lending the heavy, architectural form a subtle graphic rhythm. The dry, light to dark brown surface shows signs of wear, cracks, and older losses. The work is attributed to the Losso (Nawdba) people of the Niamtougou region in northern Togo. Sculpture in this area is characterized by extraordinary stylistic diversity; in particular, distinguishing between Losso and neighboring Lamba works based on formal criteria is often difficult. Different ritual functions are attributed to comparable figures: they could be understood as alua, as "dwellings" of spirits or ancestors; in addition, references to twins as well as protective and healing practices are documented. However, the few field studies available do not allow for a universally valid classification. The unusually closed form of the present example should therefore initially be understood as an independent variant within this little-researched sculptural complex of northern Togo. Literature (selection) Pierre Amrouche: Corps & Décors. Statuaire Lamba et Losso du Togo. Paris 2008. Thomas Keller: Northern Togo Statuary. Lully 2018. Hans Peter Hahn: Die Werkstoffe Kultur der Konkomba, Kabyè und Lamba in Nord-Togo. Köln 1996. Some of the information and photos are generated by artificial intelligence and is based on published sources from the fields of ethnography, archaeology, and art history documents. Copyright reserverd for all info and photos. Inv. No. MAZ27581 Informant: Ouro