An elongated stone from the Mayap Chiefdom, shaped as a vague, abstracted figure with rounded bosses for eyes and body parts.

1. Form and Carving

The stone is an upright, elongated block with rounded edges. Its upper end forms a head with a round, raised boss for an eye, and further rounded bosses and curving ridges suggest face, arms and body in a very reduced way. The lower part is divided by shallow vertical grooves. There are no incised patterns; the form relies on the swelling volumes alone. The surface is grainy and pitted, with small glittering mineral particles.

2. Use and Context

According to the collection catalogue, such stones are vague portrayals in commemoration of ancestors. They were usually kept in their own places within the mostly extensive chieftain buildings.

3. Surface and Wear

The stone is grey-brown with warmer, reddish tones in the grooves. The carved forms are softened and rounded, and the surface has an even, slightly weathered look.

Summary

An elongated stone figure of the Mayap Chiefdom with softly rounded forms, a vague portrayal in commemoration of ancestors.