1994.195.McD Male Figure

A carefully modeled hairstyle and elaborate beard frame the face of this male figure. The slightly opened mouth and heavy eyelids over pierced eyes combine to give him a severe expression. His prominent herniated navel is common in the sculptures of sub-Saharan cultures. Based on his beard and adornments, the figure probably represents a political ruler, a religious leader, or a man of high social rank, with a staff, scepter, ceremonial weapon, or adze slung over his shoulder.

The oldest extant African artworks outside of Egypt were discovered in Nok, a village in the plateau region of central Nigeria. Most of the sculptures date from 900 BC to 600 BCE. The connection between Nok and Sokoto, located hundreds of miles to the northwest, has yet to be determined, but some scholars relate the Sokoto works within those dates to a peripheral Nok style.

1994: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from L. & R. Entwistle Co. Ltd., London [1]

[1] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums.  The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.

apply to objects where number equals 1994.195.McD