A mixed lot of African archaeology, Ghana:

4 Komaland figures. In the 1970s, previously unknown terracotta figures appeared for the first time on the art market in Ghana. 1984/1985, at Yikpabongo in northern Ghana, in an area where the Koma tribe now lives, regular excavations were performed and numerous old hill-graves were discovered. Terracotta figures of a previously unknown style were found in these graves. Thermo-luminescence studies of these finds dated them from the 14th to 16th centuries (some sources date Komaland objects from the 13th to the 15th centuries, or from 1000 to 1850). This mixed lot of 4 Komaland figures comprises: a full-figure of a seated chief or dignitary with the often occurring depression on the head, beard and neck, and arm jewellery. A break at the neck glued. H: 24 cm. A torso of a dignitary. With hair, open mouth and necklace. H: 18 cm. A so-called 'plug-head' with depression and beard, pointed lower end. H: 12 cm. A fragment with the head of a horse, probably from an equestrian statue - a depiction form which also occurs in the repertoire of the Komaland figures. L: 12 cm. The exact meaning and purpose of the Komaland figures are as yet unknown. (ME)

Prov: in part, Neumeister Auctions, Munich; Austrian private collection. Lit.: 'African Terracottas', Barbier-Mueller-Museum, p. 140-155. 'Erde und Erz', K.-F. Schädler 142-146.

Specialist: Prof. Erwin Melchardt