Bura Bottle Figure Fragment

The Bura culture of the lower Niger River valley flourished in the distant past. Authentic Bura ceramic works can be distinguished from reproductions without much difficulty by persons familiar with the characteristics of centuries-old West African terracotta. Among the qualities to look for are a porous ceramic of matte surface with black flecks of manganese. With some exceptions, Bura heads are solid and as a result survived at a greater rate than the hollow vessel forms they typically capped. Bura figures were also made, some sitting astride inverted vessels. Keen observers will note a spider crack centered on this figure’s true right shoulder. This crack appears to have occurred slowly over time. There is no sign of a strike; rather, it is most likely the result of pressure from the roots of plants and shifting earth during yearly rainy seasons going back centuries. This is a beautifully intact specimen of a classic style. It is presented securely on a hardwood base dating to the 1990s.

15″

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