MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
Title:
Grave Marker, Clay or Terracotta Head
Object Name:
Grave Marker
Other Name:
Grave Marker, Head, Clay
Place of Origin:
Akan, Ghana, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 6"
W = 4"
D = 4"

Akan head, was probably used either as a grave marker, or to receive offerings.

Bacquart, P. 35

Memorial terracottas were created by female artists to honor deceased chiefs and other important elders, both male and female.
400 year history of terracotta funerary sculpture.




Description:
Hollow hand—fashioned clay figure with round head, three knobs on top of forehead, large coffeebean slit eyes. Broad wedge—shaped nose, open mouth with protruding lips, small chin, nose and eyes. Lower lip and bottom of ringed neck shows wear. Dark brown patina.
New information added 5/3/16: Light brown rough surface where petina has eroded.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Clay or Terracotta
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Pottery
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.95
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