89 - ANTHROPOMORPHIC VASE

ANTHROPOMORPHIC VASE Terra-cotta sigillata H. 24 cm North Africa, Byzacena, c. 300-350 A.D. Provenance Former French private collection, established 1990-2000 The vessel adopts the ingenious shape of an idealized head surmounted by a cylindrical neck ending in a flared mouthpiece. A ribbon handle is attached to the neck and back of the head, ensuring the vase's functionality. The hair is divided by a median parting and organized in parallel waves that evoke the headbands characteristic of imperial hairstyles or Fayum funerary portraits. On top of the skull, superimposed braids or bands create a crown effect, while vertical striations and chevron patterns suggest the complexity of a sophisticated hair arrangement. Wavy locks frame the face symmetrically, falling to the temples and cheeks. The terra cotta sigillata, with its uniform luminous orange color, bears witness to a perfectly mastered oxidizing firing process. The surface retains the satin sheen characteristic of sigillated slip. The archaeological patina, visible in the form of light calcareous concretions and gentle surface wear, attests to the authenticity of the piece. Excellent state of preservation. Complete structural integrity with preserved handle. Well-preserved, shiny surface typical of terra sigillata. A North African Roman Terra Sigillae Anthropomorphic Vase. c. 300-350 A.D. The vessel adopts the ingenious form of an idealized head surmounted by a cylindrical neck terminating in a flared mouth. A ribbon handle attaches to the neck and the back of the head, ensuring the vessel's functionality. The hairstyle constitutes the most spectacular element of this creation. The hair is divided by a central part and organized in parallel undulations that evoke the characteristic bands of imperial coiffures or Fayum funerary portraits. On the crown of the head, superimposed braids or bands create a crown effect, while vertical striations and chevron motifs suggest the complexity of a sophisticated hair arrangement. Undulating locks symmetrically frame the face, falling onto the temples and cheeks. The terra sigillata, of uniform luminous orange, attests to perfectly mastered oxidizing firing. The surface preserves the characteristic satiny sheen of sigillata slip. The archaeological patina, visible as slight calcareous concretions and gentle superficial wear, attests to the authenticity of the piece. Excellent state of preservation. Complete structural integrity with handle preserved. Characteristic glossy surface of terra sigillata well preserved.