African archaeology, Mali: fragment of a human figure covered in snakes. From the ‘Djenné culture’ in Mali. Between the 12th and 16th centuries A.D.
African archaeology, Mali: fragment of a human figure covered in snakes. From the ‘Djenné culture’ in Mali. Between the 12th and 16th centuries A.D.
A fine fragment of an old figure made from fired clay that was originally sitting or kneeling. With all the characteristic features of the terracotta figures that, since 1943, have been found and excavated from sites around the town of Djenné in Mali. The present figure shows a typical ‘Djenné head’ with an upwards turning face, protuberant and outlined eyes, a long, prominent nose, accentuated protruding mouth and a wide, rounded chin. On the back of the head towards the top and on the entire rest of the body are more than ten entwined snakes. The meaning of the ‘man with snakes’ motif is still unknown today. Unfortunately, the bottom part of this ‘Djenné culture’ terracotta sculpture has broken and been lost. On the back there is also another smaller age-related breakage. In spite of this, this figure is a highly interesting and original fragment. Height: c. 15.6 cm (without base); between the 12th and 16th centuries A.D. (ME)
Provenance:
Austria private collection.
Lit.:
‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 59, 59, 61, 74.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 500.-
African archaeology, Mali: fragment of a human figure covered in snakes. From the ‘Djenné culture’ in Mali. Between the 12th and 16th centuries A.D.
A fine fragment of an old figure made from fired clay that was originally sitting or kneeling. With all the characteristic features of the terracotta figures that, since 1943, have been found and excavated from sites around the town of Djenné in Mali. The present figure shows a typical ‘Djenné head’ with an upwards turning face, protuberant and outlined eyes, a long, prominent nose, accentuated protruding mouth and a wide, rounded chin. On the back of the head towards the top and on the entire rest of the body are more than ten entwined snakes. The meaning of the ‘man with snakes’ motif is still unknown today. Unfortunately, the bottom part of this ‘Djenné culture’ terracotta sculpture has broken and been lost. On the back there is also another smaller age-related breakage. In spite of this, this figure is a highly interesting and original fragment. Height: c. 15.6 cm (without base); between the 12th and 16th centuries A.D. (ME)
Provenance:
Austria private collection.
Lit.:
‘Erde und Erz’ by K.-F. Schädler, fig. 59, 59, 61, 74.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |