Couple Dakakari, Nigeria

dakakari couple  Nigeria Eastern  the real colour is on the last picture 
the first and the  last picture otherwise spolight make them too clear
restauration on the superior part of the woman's leg
ahdrc under inventory number Object ao-0213158-001
We can have a double lecture of the face the nostrils become the eyes with a minimalist aspect .
Nigeria, known for its richness in terracotta, leads to the sculptures of the Dakakari people, living in the northwestern state of Nigeria. The Dakakari peoples of Northwest Nigeria have produced funerary sculpture for several centuries. Such works were traditionally placed on the burial mounds of important deceased members of society. Chiefs, leading warriors, and prominent farmers were honored by these sculptures. Animals, humans, and equestrian figures were the most popular subjects, all made by female artists. Among other terracotta objects, they use anthropomorphic figures. These characters are placed on tombs and designated “sons of the tomb” or “servants of the deceased”; the typical open mouth is a sign of grief The figures resemble the Adja, that is to say the general shape of the head, body and legs as well as the details of the face are comparable to The differences however are the arms and often they are covered with scarifications. The Dakakari peoples of Northwest Nigeria have produced funerary sculpture for several centuries. Such works were traditionally placed on the burial mounds of important deceased members of society. Chiefs, leading warriors, and prominent farmers were honored by these sculptures. Animals, humans, and equestrian figures were the most popular subjects, all made by female artists. This pair of figures, known as “pots of the grave” is rendered in a highly expressive style and as such may represent bush spirits that would have accompanied the deceased in the afterlife, assuring him/her a safe journey. The turned up heads and hands extending outward from the bodies suggest a dance position which refers to the festivities associated with the second burial rites honoring the departed ones. The heads, torsos, and legs of these objects were made separately and joined together with extra layers of clay.


private collection France