A small figure carved from hippopotamus tooth, seated with its hands resting on its belly. It has a large head with a lattice-patterned cap, outlined eyes and a pronounced mouth.

1. Form and Material

The head is large in proportion to the body and tilted slightly to one side. The eyes are outlined with incised lines, the nose is short and the mouth is marked by downturned lines. The cap is cut with a diamond lattice pattern, and the same pattern appears on the seat or base at the back. The arms are bent, with the fingers incised, and the hands press against the belly; the legs are drawn up, and the feet show incised toes. The figure is carved from a hard, dense material with a smooth, polished surface.

2. Use and Context

According to the collection catalogue, figures carved from hippopotamus teeth like this one, presumably ancestors, were carried everywhere and served as a decision-making support for everyday problems.

3. Surface and Condition

The ivory-coloured material has taken on a warm golden-caramel colour with a smooth, glossy surface. Fine cracks run through the body and head, and dark residue sits in the incised lines.

Summary

This small hippopotamus-tooth figure sits with its hands on its belly beneath a lattice-patterned cap. According to the collection catalogue, such figures, presumably ancestors, were carried everywhere as an aid to everyday decisions.