This ancient bust is particularly interesting for its rich hairstyle. The haughty face opens onto a stretched almond-shaped gaze with pierced pupils, the nose is broad and the mouth features full, disjointed lips revealing a row of small teeth. Nok culture, Nigeria Dating: 650 BC - 350 AD Thermoluminescence test, Alliance Science Art - Francine Maurer, Ref : 14.11.28 - TL8307 (17/09/1994) Fine-grained ochre terracotta with inclusions, visible old losses, cracks and age-related wear, beautiful ochre terracotta slip and shimmering mica patina. H. Height : 38 cm Provenance : Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels Marc Blanpain Collection, Brussels Publications and exhibitions : Schaedler, Earth and Ore. 2500 Years of African Art in Terra-cotta and Metal, 1997, p. 204, #380, Burgrieden-Rot, Germany, Museum Villa Rot, June - November 1998 Grunne (de), Naissance de l'art en Afrique noire, la statuaire nok au Nigeria, 1998, Luxembourg, Banque Générale du Luxembourg, October 20 - December 13, 1998