Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Dimitri André

A Djenne terracotta figure, Mopti region, Mali. Several fractures (photographed): signs of ritual use and age.

Djenné terracotta figures are sculptural works made in the Inner Niger Delta region of what is now Mali, largely in the span from about the 11th to the 16th centuries AD. They are associated with the archaeological site of Djenné‑Jeno (also Jenne‑Jeno), which was among the earliest urban centers in sub‑Saharan West Africa and is important in understanding the rise of social complexity in this region. The figures are often human, but also sometimes zoomorphic or mythological in subject. Their function remains not definitively settled, though ritual, ancestral, protective, or symbolic roles are commonly proposed by scholars.
Structurally, Djenné terracottas are built of clay (terracotta) and fired, usually in open kilns or pits. The bodies are frequently elongated, with square or broadly flat shoulders, with limbs that are stylised rather than fully anatomically naturalistic. The faces often feature almond‑shaped eyes, pronounced noses and mouths, and large ears. Ornamentation such as scarification, raised pastilles (small nodules), incised decoration (linear patterns, geometric motifs), or punctuated marks may occur on the surface. Some figures are seated, kneeling, standing, or in genuflecting postures. Some are quite small (on the order of 10‑15 cm), others reach 30‑50 cm or more in height. A number of them exhibit raised bumps or excrescences on the skin surfaces, which have been interpreted variously (as decorative, ritual, or possibly in some cases reflecting physical illness or symbolic disease).
In terms of style, there is both variation and certain recurring formal traits. For example, some figures display smooth surfaces, others are richly decorated. Some have minimal body detail, only suggesting fingers or toes, while others are more specifically modelled. The distribution of torsos, neck elongation, head size, and facial features shows both individual variation and shared conventions, suggesting both artisan freedom and cultural norms.
Chronologically, thermoluminescence testing and stylistic comparison place many of the figures reliably in the 12th‑15th or 15th‑17th centuries AD. One example: a small figure (ca. 11.4 cm) was tested in Cambridge and dated to 1485‑1615 AD (±65 years). Others, by contrast, have earlier dates based on context in Djenné‑Jeno phases II and III.
As to the social or ritual meaning of these figures, scholars have proposed that they might represent ancestors, spirits, or household deities; some may have served in shrines or private devotional contexts. Some figures are found associated with offerings or located on house floors, in contexts that suggest an interface between the domestic and sacred. The raised motifs or marks may identify status, affiliation, or experience (for example, signs of illness), but there is no scholarly consensus.
The iconography of certain motifs such as snakes or serpents appears in some statues, especially in chest or torso areas, sometimes interwoven with human form, suggesting symbolic layers (healing, spiritual force, life/death thresholds). Also, bodily attitudes such as kneeling, crouching, or supplication, along with the lack of elaborate clothing and the prominence of bodily ornament, contribute to interpretability in terms of ritual posture, mourning, or communication with ancestors.
Preservation and provenance are variable. Many figures were removed from their original contexts before systematic archaeological work, complicating dating and interpretation. Some have been thermoluminescence tested; many have lost limbs or appendages; pigment traces remain in few cases. The surface decoration (scarification, incisions, pastilles) is often the best preserved cue to original appearance.

References:
National Museum in Szczecin. “Figure MNS/AF/2902 – Terracotta items from the ancient city of Djenne‑Jeno …” Szczecin collection data.
International Council of Museums (ICOM). “Terracotta statuette, Djenné (Niger River Valley), 12th‑15th c. AD, 37 cm.”
Christie’s. “A Djenne terracotta figure seated with the arms free …” lot description.
International Council of Museums (ICOM). “Terracotta statue, Djenné (Niger River Valley), 13th c. AD, 27 cm.”
International Council of Museums (ICOM). “Terracotta statuette covered in pastilles, Djenné‑Djeno, 13th c. AD, 17 cm.”
Sotheby’s. “Djenne Terracotta Figurine, Mali, ca. 15th‑17th century” with thermoluminescence analysis.
Smarthistory. “Seated Figure (Djenné peoples), 13th century, Mali, Inland Niger Delta region …” including stylistic analysis.
Sotheby’s / Hélène Leloup. Statue, Djennenké, detailed description of serpent motif and hairstyle.

The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.

Terracotta - Fair condition

A Terracotta sculpture - Djenne - Mali  (No Reserve Price)

Gemstones

Reserve price

No reserve price

Closing date

Sunday

Friday

Saturday

today

tomorrow

Thursday

Budget

From

Location

Thailand

India

Portugal

Israel

The Netherlands

Germany

Belgium

Italy

Bulgaria

United Kingdom

Hong Kong

Sweden

Switzerland

Slovak Republic

Taiwan

Austria

Spain

United States

France

Romania

Singapore

Object

Faceted gemstone

Gemstone cabochon

Country of origin

Zambia

Sri Lanka

No origin given

Madagascar

Colombia

Myanmar/Burma

Mozambique

Pakistan

Africa

Tanzania

Unknown

Brazil

Namibia

Nigeria

Russia

Vietnam

Ethiopia

Tajikistan

Stone

Sapphire

Emerald

Tanzanite

Aquamarine

Ruby

Spinel

Tsavorite

Tourmaline paraiba

Kunzite

Tourmaline

Sapphire padparadscha

Alexandrite

Demantoid

Garnet

Opal

Zoisite

Certification

International Gemological Institute (IGI)

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Lotus Gemology

Gem research Swiss Lab (GRS)

Gübelin Gem Lab

Colour

Blue

Green

Violet

Pink

Purple

Yellow

Orange

Brown

Mixed cut

Oval

Cushion

Brilliant cut

Emerald cut

Pear

Faceted cut

Octagon

Modified brilliant cut

Step cut

Round

Heart

Rectangle

Square

Triangle

Fancy

Cut cornered square

Old mine cut

Cabochon cut

Marquise

Clarity

Eye clean

Slight

Moderate

Loupe clean

Treatment

No evidence of treatment

Heat treatment

Oiling

No heat treatment

Commonly heated with no evidence of treatment

Clarity enhancement

Not specified in the report

Gemstone transparency

Transparent

Semi-transparent

Translucent

Pearl luster

Excellent

Good

Very good

Fair

Optical effect (gemstones)

Colour change

Fluorescence

Play of colour

feeds_recommendations

feeds_popularity

We couldn’t verify your address. 
Re-enter address.

We couldn’t verify your address. Review our suggested address.

We couldn’t verify your address: Re-enter address to ensure smooth delivery.

Address reformatted to ensure smooth delivery. Take a moment to review it.

Confirm your address

Generated for your convenience. Always carefully review object description, details, and images before placing a bid.

Never miss an update on the latest auctions. Don’t have an account? Create one for free.

Sign in to follow category

Don’t miss out on any of the auctions

This auction is part of %{category}

The full amount of your automatic bid has now been reached. Entering a new maximum amount will help you stay ahead of new bids from others.

Buy and sell on Europe’s most-visited online curated marketplace. Weekly auctions of 75,000 special and hard-to-find objects selected by experts.

Join this auction live stream to follow the action in real time

Item lineup

Join this object's auction live stream to follow the action in real time

Start bidding or selling at Catawiki’s %{auction_name}. This week at auction: %{lot_name}.

You've been outbid on lot:  %{position}. %{title}

%{amount_in_bidding_currency} will be reserved on your selected credit card. This amount will be released within a week if you're not the top bidder. If you do place the top bid, the remaining amount needs to be paid within 3 days of the auction ending. If it's not paid, the auction fees will be charged to your card (up to %{limit_in_bidding_currency}).

Someone set a max bid before you. New top bid: %{amount}

Want it faster? Buy now to get it delivered sooner!

Others might want to buy this object now. Make it yours before they get to it first!

Your bid is on top and so close to the buy now price!

Try raising your bid or buy it now.

Try raising your bid or buy it now. Bids are close to the reserve price, so this could be your last chance to purchase.

Unfortunately, your bid didn’t meet the object’s reserve price.

Couldn't process your payment

Your payment is safe


All objects are quality checked


All sellers are verified

This is your last chance to make this special object yours.

Reject this offer?

Exclusive offer

Great offer

Your payment is safe


All objects are quality checked


Catawiki Buyer Protection

%{category_name} for Sale in Online Auctions

Buy and sell %{category} at Catawiki. Discover %{category} auctions filled with special objects, selected by our experts.

How to buy on Catawiki

Set a search alert to get notified when new matches are available.

Set a search alert

These cookies placed by Catawiki and partners help us gain insight into the use of our marketplace and how to keep improving it.

Analytics & research

These cookies are necessary for performance of our marketplace and are therefore set to 'always active'. This includes cookies to e.g. allow you to sign in and remember language settings. These cookies also include analytical cookies that have very little to no impact on your privacy.

Functional

These cookies placed by Catawiki and partners help us gain insight into what you like and how you behave on our marketplace. We track your behaviour so we can get an idea about your preferences, store the IDs of the auctions you click on, and show you lots that match your interests. Third parties also place marketing cookies on Catawiki, including cookies to allow social media functionality.

Marketing & social media

Cookies

Customs information

Personalised picks to help you find your next treasure. Updated daily.

After confirming, both Catawiki and the seller will be notified that the order has been delivered. You can always look at your tracking information under 'My Orders'.

Has your order been delivered?

Every day our %{count}+ in-house experts review and select only the best submitted objects to auction. Each of our experts has years of experience and knowledge in their field. 

Experts at Catawiki - Learn what our experts do and how they can help you 

Get to know %{name}, Catawiki expert in %{category}

Don’t miss out - follow to get notified when new objects are added. 

Follow %{title}

Unique Objects

Occasionally, two different bidders may show up in the bidding history with the same bid amount. This occurs when one user's bid is exactly the same as an automatic (maximum) bid placed by another user earlier. Since the auto-bid was placed first, this takes preference. The bidding history will show both bids, with the auto-bid ranked as the higher of the two.


Double bid

It may appear that the same bid has been placed by two different bidders. This can occur if someone places a bid in another currency which is then rounded to the same amount as the previous bid in %{local_currency}.

This can occur for the following reasons:
1. If an opening bid does not meet a lot’s reserve price (hidden minimum), buyers may try outbidding their earlier bid in order to find that lot’s RP.
2. If an auto-bid (user-set maximum bid) is outbid, the bidding log will show the first and final steps of that user's auto-bid in a row. The new highest bid will be shown at the top.

Why is this bidder outbidding him- or herself?

In auction

Bids exclude the auction fee and shipping costs, which will be added during final payment. Any other costs or charges such as customs or import duties, customs clearance and handling may also apply during shipment of your lot and will be charged to you at a later stage if applicable. All bids are binding.

Bids exclude the Buyer Protection fee and shipping costs, which will be added during final payment. Any other costs or charges such as customs or import duties, customs clearance and handling may also apply during shipment of your lot and will be charged to you at a later stage if applicable. All bids are binding.

Once a bid has been placed, it becomes binding. You are required to purchase any lot you win for the amount you've bid. By placing a bid, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Catawiki is available in GBP, USD and EUR. Prices in these currencies are converted using the currency exchange rate applicable at the start of the auction. This rate is also applied to commission rates and shipping costs.

What are the auction costs?

Are all bids binding?

Currency exchange rate

Some valuable lots come with an estimated revenue, indicated by the expert. The estimated price range mentioned serves only as an indication, and offers no guarantees as to a lot's actual value.

Shipping to your location (%{buyer_country}) from %{seller_country} usually takes %{from_days}-%{to_days} days.

Shipping to your location (%{buyer_city}, %{buyer_country}) from %{seller_country} usually takes %{from_days}-%{to_days} days.

%{price} from %{sellerCountry}, arrives in %{time} days

Shipping from %{sellerCountry} to %{buyerCountry} usually takes %{time} days.

Your payment is secure: we only release it to the seller when you’re satisfied with your object.

FREE from %{sellerCountry}, arrives in %{time} days

This object has free shipping! Shipping from %{sellerCountry} to %{buyerCountry} usually takes %{time} days

Unfortunately, this object can’t be shipped to your location. Possible reasons include that this object may have import restrictions or the seller doesn’t ship to your region.

This object can be picked up for free from %{city}, %{country}.

After you pay, you’ll receive the exact pickup address. You’ll then be able to contact the seller to arrange pickup.

Pickup from %{location} or arrange delivery      

Sign in or create an account to view shipping info based on your region. 

To continue buying and selling special objects, please confirm that you understand and agree Catawiki provides services for both buyers and sellers. %{learn_more}

Due to the size or fragility of this lot, the seller requires it to be picked up from %{city} (%{country}).

Name

Did you contact the seller?

For items without a reserve price, you can bid from €1. For items with a reserve price, bidding will start at either the reserve price, 60% of the reserve price or €1.

Give it a try and be the first to bid on this special item!

Starting bid

You'll be redirected to the PayPal site to complete your payment.


By creating an account, you can save, bid on, and buy objects you love. 

Return policy

Saved searches 

Every week, there are %{counter} new objects to explore. Save this search to receive new matches for “%{search_term}”.

Discover %{total} %{query} objects, selected by experts. Buy and sell %{query} in Catawiki’s auctions. Explore and place your bids!

View the objects offered for auction by %{seller}. Register today to join %{seller} and other sellers on Catawiki!

For non-mainland destinations including islands and overseas territories, additional charges may apply but will not exceed the Rest of the World shipping cost.

Any other costs or charges such as customs or import duties, customs clearance and handling may also apply during the shipment of your lot and will be charged to you by the involved party at a later stage if applicable.

Once you make your payment, the seller is required to ship your order within 3 working days.

View my lots at the Catawiki auctions for this week

Sold

When you search for an object, results are sorted to ensure the most value for you. When you search for an object, we default sort by ‘relevance.’ Within auctions, objects are sorted by ‘time remaining.’ 

Submissions

You’ll need to accept our new %{user_agreement} to keep buying and selling special objects.

This auction might contain images that are not suitable for viewing by persons under 18 years of age.

Gemstones

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

A Terracotta sculpture - Djenne - Mali (No Reserve Price)

294 objects

Related collections