A rare and superb figurative statue, particularly well preserved in a frontal, seated position. The face features closed eyelids and a pointed, braided beard characteristic of the great Sokoto art, while the finely striated hairstyle with an ornament or bun on the front is typical of works from the great ancient art of the Katsina. This reference work, both strong and tranquil, exudes a presence of great serenity. Sokoto, Mali Dating: 500 BC - 500 AD Thermoluminescence test, Alliance Scient Art - Francine Maurer. Ref. 41.11.92 - TL705162 (22 / 05 / 1997) Fine-grained terracotta with light mica inclusions, visible old missing parts, slight surface wear, beautiful old ochre earth slip. H. Height : 47 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. 202, #373, Burgrieden-Rot, Germany, Museum Villa Rot, June - November 1998 Grunne (de), Naissance de l'art en Afrique noire, la statuaire nok au Nigeria, 1998, no. 61, Luxembourg, Banque Générale du Luxembourg, October 20 - December 13, 1998