HISTORICAL crafts T142

COUNTRY: Nigeria TRIBE: Ife DIMENSIONS: 27cm MATERIALS: Terracotta COUNTRY: Nigeria TRIBE: Ife DIMENSIONS: 27cm MATERIALS: Terracotta DETAILS: This item is certified by thermoluminescent testing to be at least 300 years old and has a certificate of release from the Nigerian Government. This head carries the style preferred by the Ife of vertically striations across the face. The faces of the Ife heads are usually serene and alert. This particular head has a twice tiered hat with a triple motif elaboration at the front. Each face carries an individual personalityas they are sculptural portraits, perhaps of previous leaders and high chiefs. Many bear facial scarifications and it is probable that they were used in ceremonial rituals and performances.
HISTORICAL crafts T142