The civilization of Koma was situated along the ancient trade routes between the northern bend of the Niger River and the territories of the Akan peoples, in central and southern Ghana. In 1985 Ghanaian archaeologists excavated a burial site in northern Ghana called Koma-Bulsa, where they unearthed an extraordinary number of terracotta sculptures. When research resumed in 2006, however, it was found that excavations had sparked looting and an illicit trade, with objects appearing on the international art market ever since. While knowledge of this culture is limited, distinctive features of Koma terracottas are wide eyes with raised rims and large, gaping mouths with protruding lips. Many of the figures wear elaborate ornaments indicating wealth and high status, and some, such as this one, are mounted on horses.