Ένα γλυπτό από τερακότα. - Bankoni - Μάλι (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Ένα χάλκινο/κεραμικό γλυπτό στην τεχνοτροπία Bankoni, περιοχή Mopti, Μάλι.

"Αποτυπώματα τεχνοτροπίας από τον τεταρτοδό και τον 15ο αιώνα, διακοσμητικά απεικονίσεων σε χυτό μέταλλο και καμμένα κεραμικά, έχουν βρεθεί σε έναν αριθμό τοποθεσιών στην περιοχή Bamana κοντά Bougouni και Diola. Οι elongated φιγούρες Bankoni μπορεί να είναι καλλιτεχνική προεκουσία για νεότερες Bamana ξύλινες γλυπτικές συνθέσεις που αφορούν παρόμοια θέματα."
Πηγή: The MET

Specifically, the Bankoni style is a ceramic style that - along with the Djenne style - was the most important stylistic subdivision of the Mali Empire. The Djenne and Bankoni styles existed at the same time and the people of these two cultures lived around the cities of Djenne-Djenno and Bamako.
Djenne and Bankoni sculpture are of great importance in the development of West African art styles. We find seated, standing and kneeling human figures, as well as equestrian and zoomorphic/anthropomorphic sculptures. Djenne pieces tend to be naturalistic, while Bankoni sculptures tend to have elongated proportions. We know almost nothing about their culture, apart from their apparent sophistication. These cultures were obviously highly socially stratified. We find there signs of distinction and wealth such as scarification, jewellery, horses and prestige objects, and the sculptures themselves.

Lit.: Karl-Ferdinand Schaedler, Erde und Erz. 2500 Jahre Afrikanische Kunst aus Terrakotta und Metall, 1979, p. 62-69.

Bankoni is a region in Mali that is known for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly its terracotta art. Terracotta, which is a type of clay, has been used in Mali for centuries to create various items, from everyday tools to decorative objects and sculptures. The region of Bankoni is one of the areas where this craft is practiced, and it is renowned for producing terracotta figurines, pottery, and other artifacts.

These terracotta items often have deep cultural significance, representing aspects of local life, traditions, and spirituality. They may feature human or animal figures, or symbolic motifs that hold meaning within the community. The creation of terracotta art in Mali is a practice that has been passed down through generations, often involving skilled artisans who maintain traditional techniques.

In addition to its artistic value, terracotta craftsmanship in Bankoni and other parts of Mali can be a source of income, as these items are sometimes sold to tourists, art dealers or collectors interested in African art. Our piece attribution and datation is given by the extent of our knowledge and for reference only. Without TL test, the piece remains subject to authentication.

CAB48885