Notable

Nok · Nigeria

Reference: TRRC-58

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Material
Terracotta

The configuration of the eyes and eyebrows as well as perforations of the eyes, noses and ears is a common feature of most works Nok. Pupils…

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Full original description

The configuration of the eyes and eyebrows as well as perforations of the eyes, noses and ears is a common feature of most works Nok. Pupils are well pierced and have circular shape in the lower part, wide nostrils and clear forehead. Of many of the pieces appear only pieces, heads and other fragments, because they are extracted digging in alluvial lands. Erosion is also important, so much of the pieces appear polished or broken. The statues that appear whole are rare, hence the high price they reach in the art market. Most of the characters, of the figures that have appeared whole, are presented in a rich dress and ornamentation that indicates their belonging to an elevated social class, high dignitaries, philosophers and notables, as well as zoomorphic representations, like the elephant. This occurs at a time when the rest of Africa begins the Neolithic, which suggests that the Nok could receive direct influence from the Egyptians. So far they are the oldest pieces in black Africa. The wonderful terracottas found for just seventy years demonstrate the advance of knowledge of pottery, the domination of fire and clay cooking, in addition to the extraordinary artistic qualities that reflect their sculptures.

This statue features all the features of the most refined nok style.

Further technical information
Attributed period
Extended culture of the centuries IV aC. to II dC.

Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.

Country on the map

Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.

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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.

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