Gohu Soceity memorial figure (kikango)

The surface of this early work is highly eroded, giving a lovely soft quality to the geometric decoration. The slightly undulating quality of the surface is also partially due to adze cutting, typical of early works. The eyes are formed by deeply-cut circles with slight raised centers; the nose and mouth as vertical indentations. The umilicus is an incised “horseshoe-shaped form” above the notched waist. Below the waist is a large incised circle of unknown meaning. Tthe bottom is highly eroded, alluding to the great age of this example. the geometric patterning is exceptionally vigorous and the work has a commanding presence unusual in these posts.