Akan Terracotta Commemorative memorial portrait Head Ghana
Terracotta with red slip 8 1/2 x 7 inches, 21.5 x 18 cm,
Period 19th century or earlier.
Provence : jean Davenne London
Provided with custom base
Since the late sixteenth century, Akan potters created ceramic heads to commemorate deceased individuals of high status. Family members placed the terracotta portraits of the deceased in a sacred area near the cemetery, During funerary rites libations and food were offered to the ancestors.