Superb Djenne Maternity Figure, Inland Niger Delta, Mali

Superb Djenne Maternity Figure, Inland Niger Delta, Mali
Terracotta with buff surface
Height 15 3/4in (40cm)

Provenance
Hélène and Philippe Leloup, Paris
American Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1992

Timothy Garrard notes, "The Malian terracottas occur over a vast region and in a number of distinct regional styles. Human figured predominate, sometimes of large size, and represented either singly or occasionally as a couple. There is also a series of magnificent equestrian figures representing warriors or hunters. Animals, and particularly snakes, were also depicted; small terracottas of coiled snakes are quite common. In the region of Djenne itself these terracottas are modelled in elaborate detail, and in a highly distinctive style. The human figures show a wealth of jewellery and body ornaments, as well as items of clothing. Body surfaces are sometime ornamented with impressed stamps, or drawn lines or even with raised bumps suggestive of some dreadful disease. [...]
[...] The function of this extraordinary statuary is not entirely clear, but appears to have been primarily religious. Medieval Arabic sources speak disapprovingly of the animist cults and idolatry then prevalent in the region. It may have been the spread of Islam, notably following the Moroccan invasion of the region in 1591, that led to the abandonment of these statues and the cults and practices associated with them." (Phillips, Tom (Ed.), Africa: The Art of a Continent, Prestel, 2004, p. 488-491)

The finely modeled mother in a kneeling position with elegant, arching shoulder blades, the arms with circular stamped tattoos, wearing bracelets, a necklace with three round beads, a belt and a loin cloth with herringbone design; breastfeeding her baby clutched in her left arm and seated on her left thigh; light earthenware patina, buff surface with erosion and magnesium oxide deposits throughout.