Bidspirit auction | Bura Funerary Phallic Amphora, Niger

Bura Funerary Phallic Amphora, Niger River Valley - West Africa, Niger River Valley region, Bura / Bura-Asinda-Sikka culture, circa 3rd?11th century CE. Terracotta funerary vessel of elongated phallomorphic form, with a domed terminal above a cylindrical body. The front is modeled with a highly stylized human face, with a long central nose, small recessed eyes, and flanking ear-like projections. The surface is decorated with dense impressed and applied ornament, including rows of raised bead-like motifs, triangular registers, concentric circular elements, and linear bands encircling the body. The form belongs to the Bura funerary tradition of the Niger River Valley, in which terracotta vessels and grave markers were associated with burial and memorial contexts. Presented on a later custom black display base. Height: 19 in. overall with stand Ex-Los Angeles Fine Art Gallery Condition: Fragmentary, as shown, with losses to the lower edge and minor losses to the top. Surface wear, chips, abrasions, earthen deposits, and age-related encrustation throughout. Mounted on a later custom stand.