Djenne terracota torso - Figure - Mali

Among the earliest known examples of art from sub-Saharan Africa are terracotta figures like this one from the inland delta of the Niger River, near the present-day home of the Dogon and Bamana peoples.

In this region of Mali, the ancient city of Jenne-jeno ('Old Jenne') thrived as a hub for agriculture, trade, and art from the middle of the first millennium until around 1600. The terracotta figures linked to this civilization depict men and women, both individually and in pairs, in various attire and poses, including sitting, kneeling, and riding on horseback. The variety of imagery and the craftsmanship evident in their modeling highlight the rich sculptural heritage of a sophisticated urban culture.

Provenance: old French collection, Paris