Ritual Object

Ritual group, fragment. Solid, handmade. "Oval basis, one end and one side missing. In the center, stump of a central figure or object, before which a mark of attachment for another object, smaller in diameter. Around these central figures, the dancers, of whom two are preserved, precdeed clockwise. Both are bareheaded, with added ears and nose and pointed chin. The first figure holds extended in his left hand a long, flat object (a drumlike instrument?) towards which his right arm is extended; although the forearm is missing, traces on the object show where something rested on it, perhaps a stick. The second figure, slightly taller, holds his arms out in similar fashion; the forearms are missing. Behind the first figure described and before the second are marks of attachment for other dancers. Supposing the base was symmetrical and the figures evenly placed, there were originally eight dancers. Dark red clay."