Pendant - Culture Nok

Smaill terracotta pendant, probably used as an amulet, which represents a masculine figure, the lower part of which has been lost. The head is oval and disproportianate. With respect to the rest of the body. As is habitual the eyes are triangular and the lips thick. In addition the personage is adorned with necklaces around the neck and waist. With regard to the posture, the curvature of the back appears to tindicate that it was modelled in a seated position. The personage lifts the right arm towards the head, while the left rests on the hip. Although the sculpture follows, in general lines, the classical Nok canon, a more detailed observation uncovers some of the characterics ot the sub-style designated as Yelwa. This is the case of the smooth surface, the scarcity of modelled details-in relief of engraved-and, above all, the absence of performations in nose and pupils. Owing to their similarities, it is possible to think that these amulets are essentially representations in miniature of the largersized sculptures. It is probable that they owners always carried them on their person. Some authors uphold that the Nok sculptors also used them as "samples" to offer their work in different cities. Similar objects have been identified in the Djenné Culture.