Greek Bronze Head of an African Man, 300 BCE - 100 CE
Bronze
1.5
FZ.337
Further images
This bronze head shows the curly hair and facial features of a Negroid male. Despite its small size, considerable attention was given to detail revealing expressive eyes, a full, wide...
This bronze head shows the curly hair and facial features of a Negroid male. Despite its small size, considerable attention was given to detail revealing expressive eyes, a full, wide nose and parted lips, which gives the face an impression of mirth and joy. The curly hair extends to about the middle of the ears with a slight ridge at the back. Along with the ring-loop, the fairly flat back of the head suggests it was made as a pendant, or perhaps as the lid of an oil lamp. Though people from Africa may have been part of early Greek society, their numbers were certainly very few. The uniqueness and charm of this head is truly remarkable, and opens up a fascinating field of inquiry.