Terracotta statue, Djenné (Niger River Valley), 13th c. AD, 27 cm

Sculptures

Material: Clay/Ceramic | Type: Sculptures/Relief carving | Countries: Mali

  • Period

    11th – 16th century AD

  • Red List

    Red List – West Africa

Category

Sculptures
Terracotta statues and statuettes. Tellem/Pre-Dogon or Niger River Valley civilisations.

11th – 15th c. AD: Geometrically-shaped; elongated body; square shoulders; pointed breasts; sculpted and/or
incised stomach; long, slender, parallel arms and legs. Height: 30-50 cm.

12th – 16th c. AD: Anthropomorphic, may have almond-shaped eyes, incised eyelashes, eyelids with concentric
engravings, elongated nose and neck. Figurines with long, slender bodies, either seated or standing. Bodies
may be smooth or covered in round pastilles or snake motifs. Measurements: 10-60 x 10-40 cm.
© Musée national du Mali