Bura Asinda Sikka Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger
The Bura are a true paradox: almost nothing is known of this shadowy Nigerian/Malian group. They appear to have originated in the first half of the first millennium AD, although the only archaeologically-excavated site (Nyamey) dates between the 14th and 16th centuries. They are contemporary with – and probably related to – the Djenne Kingdom, the Koma, the Teneku and a satellite culture known as the Inland Niger Delta. Insofar as can be ascertained, the Bura share certain characteristics with these groups; for our purposes, these include extensive ceramic and stone sculptural traditions.
The funeral urns in the form of phallic symbols were made to be placed in the tomb and filled with personal effects of the deceased such as arrowheads, spears, clothing, teeth and bones. After which, the “baura” was placed, base down on the tomb, exactly like our tombstones or burial plaques. These objects were accompanied by pots, other urns and heads representing the members of the family.