Culture/Region: Lower Niger, Nigeria

Material: Copper alloy (bronze/brass)

Technique: Lost-wax casting

Date: c. 16th–19th century

Description: This finely cast copper alloy head represents a stylized human figure with a calm, introspective expression. The face is defined by half-closed, almond-shaped eyes, a slightly open mouth, and prominent raised scarification marks that curve diagonally across the cheeks. The head is capped with a close-fitting headdress featuring a central ridge, emphasizing verticality and composure.

Encircling the lower face and neck is a perforated collar fitted with small suspended bell-like pendants, suggesting both auditory and symbolic functions within ritual performance. At the base of the neck appears a relief motif resembling a crab or symbolic creature, possibly referencing themes of protection, liminality, or spiritual mediation associated with water and transformation in Lower Niger cosmology.