CALABAR, Cross River State, south-east Nigeria. Terracotta bowl with an earthy patina, the reverse decorated with symbolic motifs. This decoration of circles, spirals and other motifs reveals the first symbols of the secret Nsibidi script, which later spread throughout the Cross River region. Presumed to date from the 14th-16th centuries. Size: 19x8 cm. Provenance: Collection of a couple of collectors, Blois.