Hello,

This object is a small terra cotta figure, approximately 10 inches high and 5 inches wide, showing a seated or squatting human figure holding a vessel. The figure is richly modeled with exaggerated features — elongated face, prominent lips, incised detailing on the hair or headdress, and jewelry-like adornments (such as a necklace and breast decorations). The blackened and whitewashed surface treatment may simulate aging or ritualistic use.

The piece emits a rattling sound when shaken, suggesting that it was either a rattle or ritual object originally designed to house pebbles or beads — a common feature in African ritual statuary, particularly among cultures valuing “voice” or “spirit” elements inside objects.

Stylistically, it aligns with traditional West African terra cotta traditions, possibly connected to the broader cultural spheres of Nigeria (e.g., Nok, Yoruba) or Congo Basin cultures. However, based on the naive modeling, simplified iconography, and the overall patina, it seems more consistent with 20th-century tourist art rather than ancient or ethnographically-used ritual objects.

Historical Context:
African terra cotta figures have been produced for millennia, with ancient examples (e.g., Nok culture, 1000 BC–500 AD) highly prized. However, in the 20th century, African nations, particularly Nigeria and Congo, saw a revival of traditional forms for the burgeoning tourist and expatriate markets. These figures, often handmade and following traditional models, serve as decorative souvenirs and retain significant aesthetic and cultural value even when not ancient.