Nok head, Nigeria Terracotta H. 19,5 cm Dating : 500 BC (thermoluminescence certificate ASA N° 14.11.28 - TL 12179) Provenance : Didier Claes Gallery, Ixelles Acquired from the latter by the current owner, Belgian private collection Very elegant representation of a dignitary, the face with its refined naturalistic features, endowed with a strong expressiveness, with a sober look, is inscribed in a terracotta with a regular grain, with ochre and orange tones. The discreetness of the flared nose, which blends into the face and is indicated by the presence of small nostrils, accentuates the scope and intensity of the gaze. The upper eyelid indicated by a strict linearity thickened in relief, is skilfully opposed to the softness of the curve drawing the underside of the eye, the circular pupils hollowed out mark the depth of the look. Fine raised eyebrows, in relief and delicately curved, give rhythm to the whole face. A headdress composed of three crowns encircling the top of the forehead magnifies the whole while allowing to attest that the represented character was a dignitary, and that it is most probably a princely head.