Djenné terracotta head - Mali
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Description from the seller
Between 1100 A.D. and 1700 A.D., terracotta statues were created in the Interior Delta of the Niger River in what is now the Republic of Mali. They are known as Djenné-Jeno terracottas because of their geographic proximity to an ancient town of that name. Some of these statues possess surface excrescences that have long perplexed archaeologists, art historians, curators, and others. This study of these surface excrescences employed clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological methodologies to elucidate their possible meanings. It has not been possible to ascribe these excrescences to a single cause. However, examination of all the evidence permitted consideration of several possibilities. These include diseases such as smallpox, onchocerciasis, and the secondary stage of venereal syphilis. On certain statues, the anatomic placement of excrescences possibly symbolizes intentional cicatrization that resulted in keloid formation which may have been a form of beautification.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateBetween 1100 A.D. and 1700 A.D., terracotta statues were created in the Interior Delta of the Niger River in what is now the Republic of Mali. They are known as Djenné-Jeno terracottas because of their geographic proximity to an ancient town of that name. Some of these statues possess surface excrescences that have long perplexed archaeologists, art historians, curators, and others. This study of these surface excrescences employed clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological methodologies to elucidate their possible meanings. It has not been possible to ascribe these excrescences to a single cause. However, examination of all the evidence permitted consideration of several possibilities. These include diseases such as smallpox, onchocerciasis, and the secondary stage of venereal syphilis. On certain statues, the anatomic placement of excrescences possibly symbolizes intentional cicatrization that resulted in keloid formation which may have been a form of beautification.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Mali
Period
Mid 17th century
Material
Terracotta
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Djenné terracotta head
Height
10 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
7 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
