This delightful sculpture comes from the inland Niger River Delta region in modern day Mali. Of the many styles discovered in the area, the Bankoni are among the most famous and fruitful. The works of the Bankoni can be characterized by their elongated proportions and distinctive faces. The facial structures are rather simply modeled. The eyes and mouth are vertical slits incised into the clay while the nose is a prominent ridge and the ears protrude like to seashells. The culture that created this masterpiece of early black African sculpture and its customs remain unknown. However, their artistic excellence and elegant simplicity are resounding. Good condition with clear traces of aging, old piece.