Terra-Cotta Heads
Head Broken from Figure, Komo Region, Ghana, Terracotta. Department of Archaeology, University of Ghana, Legon. 5-42, Visiona 162.
The terracotta head from Komaland in Northern Ghana is made of clay. The terracotta head is a three-dimensional sculptural art piece. This object is found buried with other graved goods of the deceased. Koma figures have a distinct style. The eyes are round and rimmed with coils of clay. The nose has pierced nostrils and the chins vary in size and shape. Sometimes they have styled hair or intricate necklaces. The terracotta heads are linked with funerals.[1] The heads have an open mouth to represent a funeral chant. These terracotta heads are meant to help their ancestors believe that their family is there spiritually.[2]
[1] Monica Visona, 161-162.
[2] Roy Richard Grinker, Stephen C. Lubkemann, Christopher B Steiner, Perspectives on Africa: A reader in Culture, History and Representation, (John Wiley and Sons, 2010), 325
[1] Monica Visona, 161-162.
[2] Roy Richard Grinker, Stephen C. Lubkemann, Christopher B Steiner, Perspectives on Africa: A reader in Culture, History and Representation, (John Wiley and Sons, 2010), 325