Bidspirit auction | West African Terracotta Standing Figure,

West African Terracotta Standing Figure, Bura/Nok Style - West Africa, possibly Niger or Nigeria, in the style of Bura or Nok terracotta figural traditions possibly 500BCE-200CE A slender terracotta male figure of highly stylized form, standing with elongated neck, abbreviated torso, and attenuated limbs, the composition animated by a boldly expressive head with pronounced circular eyes, projecting nose, and wide open mouth. The body is minimally but effectively modeled, with the chest and navel indicated at the front and the lower section reduced to simplified legs, one advanced, imparting a sense of movement and immediacy. The exaggerated facial expression, together with the attenuated proportions, gives the work a lively and arresting sculptural presence. Presented on a custom stand. Height: 12 in. overall with stand Offered without reserve Ex-Los Angeles Fine Art Gallery Condition: The surface retains a warm reddish-brown earthen tone with light wear and scattered accretions consistent with age.