What materials characterized the Nok Head sculpture from Nigeria?

The Nok Head sculpture is particularly noted for its use of terracotta, a type of clay that is easily moldable and becomes hard when fired. This medium allowed artisans of the Nok culture, which flourished in Nigeria around 1000 BC to 300 AD, to create intricate and stylized representations of human figures, often featuring detailed facial features. The characteristic deep drilled holes in these sculptures served both a decorative purpose and potentially functioned to assist in the creation of their features, such as eyes or hair. The use of terracotta thus links the Nok sculptures to the broader tradition of pottery in many ancient cultures, signifying their artistic style and technological practices during that period.