Sculptures

Made of 100% Terracotta

Model is W 28 – H 37 –  D 24 and weight 11 kg

This anthropomorphic figure belongs to the Djenne, It is made of ancient terracotta or fired clay, sculpted by hand in a sitting position, with one finger under each eyeballs, as a mourning gesture, and "So you shall see". This sculpture is characterized by refined and detailed carving of the clay, a distinctive approach comparable to the wood-carving traditions of Africa, and even more so of the Baule.

In Djenne, they are also called Grebo same as the Baule, a god with several tasks, for he is both judge of hell and helper of those in need, protector of the livings against their enemies. Their use are unknown, but they were found most often inside the houses of the Djenne, next to the effigies of Malian big figures or chief ancestors, and their gestures is always of mourning.

Made of 100% Terracotta

Model is W 18 - H 47 and D 14 weight 7 kg

This sculpture originates from the Igbo peoples, from southern Eastern Nigeria, near a small river called Benue. The tribe is linked to the Idoma. The sculpture is depicting a male seating on what seems to be a royal stool. Seated statues are believed to incarnate fertility, a frequent theme in the region. They help cure illness, and help in reproduction, and fertility. The male figure must have been a royal, a merchant or a trader.

Seated statues are believed to incarnate fertility, a frequent theme in the region. They cure illnesses, and help in reproduction, and fertility. There is strong social pressure toward individual distinction, and men can move upward through successive grades by demonstrating their achievements and their generosity. 

This zoomorphic figure standing upright on all four legs, the head with sheep-like muzzle bearing a human nose seem to originate from the Tenenkou, Massina region of Mali. It is a classic of the region, with a stocky body and very thick legs, a slim neck, and a small head bearing protuberant ears, bulging eyes and a half-open mouth on a pointed snout. The identity of the animal is somewhat obscure, and could depict a mythological animal and was used as a religious or devotional piece. There is little historical information about the Tenenkou, but their culture seem absorbed from the Djenne.

Made of 100% Terracotta.

Model is W 14 – H 26 and weight 0.6 kg.

This intriguing piece of sculpture is made of terracottan by the Djenne people of Mali. It depicts a coiled snake, wrapped gracefully, and grasping at a human. The material used was worked skillfully by the Djenne artisans, and is the results today of a truly distiguinshed works of art in the technique of ceramic art. Snakes were venerated, used in the cult of ancestors as well as being linked symbolically with the idea of relative mortality. Djenne was once a prospering city which was also once the trade center of this region and it was located at the the Inland Delta of the Niger River which was the heart of the Mali Empire between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Djenne civilization are precursors to the Dogon of Mali.

Made of 100% Terracotta.

Model is W 21 – H 30 and weight 0.42 kg.

This beautiful sculpture depict a male figure, or hunter in a seated position holding what seems to be hunting tools. The piece shows traits that related it to the Malinke tribe of Mali. The piece is more likely an ancestor figure with neat braided hair and beard. The form suggests that it may represent an ancestor and was used for offerings. The Malinke people share many traditions with other Mande-speaking people like the Bamana. This includes the use of wooden shrine sculptures. Carving from their region is often difficult to attribute to a particular ethnic group because of widespread borrowing of stylistic features among groups.This is an important piece that would hold a prominent place in a collection.

Made of 100% wood.

Model is W 19 – H 61 and weight 4.8 kg.

This small fetish figure originates from the Malinke tribe of Mali. Commonly referred to as Mandinka, Maninka, Manding, Mandingo, Mandin, and Mande, they live in areas of sub-Saharan Africa that have a history of agricultural settlements dating as far back as 7,000 years. The Malinke people share many traditions with other Mande-speaking people like the Bamana and can be easily confused. This impressive abstract piece features a crusted patina and small horns on each side and shows obvious aging. The works of the Mandinka craftsmen are often used within the secret societies during various ceremonies.

Made of 100% wood, crusted patina.

Model is W 18 – H 54 and weight 2 kg.