/internal/media/dispatcher/1016156/resize%25253Aformat%25253DthumbnailFigure of a seated African youth1st century B.C. or 1st century A.D.Height (with plinth): 9.3 cm (3 11/16 in.)Black steatiteHenry Lillie Pierce Fund01.82100Highly polished statuette in the shape of a squatting black youth that served as a lid for a box, possibly a child's toy. The youth has distinctive ethnic features, tightly curled hair in rows radiate from the top of his head, a broad nose, and thick lips. The eyes are especially deep with irises incised. His is pouting so that his cheeks are puffed up, his brow is furrowed and his lips are pressed together. His hands are clenched in a fist and held up to his cheek; his chin rests on his knees which are drawn up tightly to his body. There are holes in each ear presumably for earrings of precious material; he wears a belt around his waist, and there are rings around his ankles which could be shackles, or bracelets. Because the toes are so well defined, it appears he is barefoot.
The condition is excellent, with slight discoloration from the earth, in the most deeply carved areas, such as the grooves. The polished surfaces have some pitting.
Sculpture8.50000000009.300000000015111501