Small Kwahu Head

The use of fired ceramic in funerary customs, ancestral worship and the memorialization of the deceased is both ancient and widespread in Africa south of the Sahara. The Ashante have utilized ceramics in these practices for centuries, but their customs are hardly static. The placing of terra cotta memorial heads in sacred places (asensie) evolved out of earlier traditions. In the 19th and 20th centuries- the approximate date of this head- symbolic portrait heads were created with glossy, black, painted surfaces. Presumably these were intended to memorialize from within the descendants’ homes. The great majority of such heads are large- about a 12″ in diameter or more. While unusually small, this example is classic nonetheless. It is deftly and minimally detailed with typical tribal marks on its upturned disc-shaped face. Although there is some minor characteristic loss to a section of its base the sculpture is largely whole and in excellent condition. Although probably never steady on its integral base it was made to be a free standing object. A custom steel mount now holds its upright and protects it. 7″ inches tall.

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