Pair of Figures

The Dakakari peoples of Northwest Nigeria have produced funerary sculpture for several centuries. Such works were traditionally placed on the burial mounds of important deceased members of society. Chiefs, leading warriors, and prominent farmers were honored by these sculptures. Animals, humans, and equestrian figures were the most popular subjects, all made by female artists. This pair of female figures, known as “pots of the grave” is rendered in a highly expressive style and as such may represent bush spirits that would have accompanied the deceased in the afterlife, assuring him/her a safe journey. The turned up heads and hands extending outward from the bodies suggest a dance position which refers to the festivities associated with the second burial rites honoring the departed ones. The heads, torsos, and legs of these objects were made separately and joined together with extra layers of clay.