A beautiful head fragment from an ancient commemorative statue in a superb classical style, with a slightly disdainful pout and closed eyelids giving it a presence combining a strong sense of interiority and contemplation. The eyebrows are indicated in dotted lines and the hairstyle, entirely striated in very slight relief, is still clearly visible. Katsina, Nigeria, 500 B.C. - 500 A.D. Chamotte terracotta (including numerous mica chips), probable restoration to the back of the skull, old breakage visible on the neck and very slight erosion to the chin and ears, otherwise excellent condition. An ASA thermoluminescence test dated October 21, 1996 will be given to the purchaser. Height: 20.5cm Provenance: Hélène Leloup Collection, Paris Transmitted by descent