Samuel Louis Nicely (Tennessee, 1947-2015) stoneware sculpture depicting an African-style mask adorned with nails and copper wire and colorfully glazed in yellow, green, blue, and brown, 1999. At least two smaller mask fragments are affixed to the top of the larger, central mask and a row of metal ornaments line the bridge of each nose. Signed and dated en verso and numbered "22"." 14 1/2" H x 8" W x 6" D. Note: "As he expanded his skills as an artist, Nicely was drawn to more traditional and ancestral ways of creating. Most of his ceramics were pit-fired, a process that has historically been used by African tribes and First Nations people." (Source: Rebecca Proffitt, "Nicely Done: Continuing the Work and Mission of Sammie L. Nicely," Appalachian Places, Center of Excellent for Appalachian Studied and Services, East Tennessee State University, April 5, 2022) Biographical note: "Samuel Louis Nicely was an artist and educator who embraced his cultural heritage as an African American man from Appalachia. Born in Russellville, Tennessee, he developed a love for the arts at an early age and went on to earn a B.S. in art education from Middle Tennessee State University and to study at The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg. Nicely co-founded the From Africa to Appalachian Foundation and was the Artist in Residence at the Reece Museum in 2014." (Source: Reece Museum, East Tennessee State University) His works are in the collections of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Fisk University, Georgia State University, and the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University. 

Excellent coniditon.