Figurine of an African with an Ape
A composite figurine depicting an African man half-seated on the ground, holding a small monkey in his arms. In an intimate gesture, the animal leans forward and embraces his head.
The man is shown as elderly, with pronounced signs of physical strain and malnutrition. His facial features - large eyes, full lips, and prominent cheekbones - reflect the artistic conventions used to represent Africans in Greek art, illustrating the contacts between the Greek world and populations of the African continent.
The scene appears to represent an everyday market performance: a stooped Ethiopian with a small, weary monkey on his shoulder, which may have performed tricks to attract the attention of passers-by in exchange for food or small rewards.
The figurine was likely used as a child’s toy.