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DESCRIPTION: This is a Very Unique Handmade 9\" Tall Clay African Head, with Nice Details. I have owned this for about 25 years, and I believe it is from Nigeria, and would be used as part of an Altar Piece on a Yoruba Shrine, and perhaps represents Eshu, the Intermediary and Messenger between Earth and Heaven. However I have never Found or Seen another Clay Head like this and am more familiar with the more typical Elegua Heads made of clay or cement with cowrie shell eyes.This could also be an Altar piece that pays homage to a departed Ancestor, or Important Person, as many ancient clay heads and figures have been excavated in various areas of West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, and believed to have been revered and displayed on Altars and nooks and crannies in the walls of the home.The traditions of clay heads and figures continue into the present day and although it is impossible to know how old this piece is without expensive testing, I think it more likely this is Vintage and Old rather than Ancient.No matter what, this is a strikingly beautiful handmade piece that I hope you will enjoy as much as I have over the many years. Perhaps, in time, it\'s origin will again come to light.
SIZE: Stands 9\" Tall X 6\" Wide. Measures about 5\" from nose to back of head. The opening is ~ 4 3/4\".Weight is 2 Lb, 12.7 Ounces.
CONDITION: Very Good Vintage Condition with some expected wear and tear from Age, Travel and Use. I do not see any cracks or big chips. I did notice one earlobe- the right- where an earring would be has small old chip, the left pierced earlobe and hole appears intact. The right eyelid top has a small old chip. The Hair looks good, as do the nose and lips.Please use the photos to help determine condition and appearance, and zoom in as needed.
SHIPPING: Will be packed very well, labeled Fragile. Equivalent of USPS Large Priority Box, or can be mailed USPS Retail Ground- your choice. We pay for insurance.PLEASE contact me before paying if you are buying multiple items and I will quote for adjusted combined shipping price. Thanks!
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art, and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired. We are just beginning to sell on . Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the beads.
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT:We accept Paypal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPPING:We Pack very well, insure, and ship USPS Priority
*Please NOTE: for HEAVY (1 Lb. and over) and LARGE Packages You Can PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND to SAVE MONEY BUT it Takes Much LONGER to Arrive!! Toggle Choice.
