Djenne vessel - Figure - Djenné - Mali
09
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13
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 550 - € 650
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Djenne vessel, a terracotta piece from Mali of the Djenné culture dating to the 15th century, provenance Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris (acquired 2026, from France).
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Description from the seller
A Djenné terracotta vessel refers to pottery originating from the region around the ancient city of Djenné, located in Mali, West Africa. Djenné is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the ancient Djenné-Djenno archaeological site, inhabited since around 250 BC. The area is renowned for its distinctive pottery traditions, especially its terracotta vessels.
Djenné terracotta pottery is typically handmade and features a range of shapes and sizes, from large storage jars to smaller ceremonial vessels. The pottery is often characterized by its smooth, reddish-brown surface and intricately moulded or sculpted details. The designs can include geometric patterns, human or animal motifs, and sometimes abstract forms. The artisans of Djenné use traditional hand-building techniques, such as coiling, and burnish the pottery for a smooth finish.
Historically, the terracotta vessels were used for practical purposes, such as storing water, grains, and other goods, but some pieces were also made for ritualistic or funerary purposes. The craftsmanship of Djenné pottery is an important reflection of the region's long-standing artistic and cultural traditions.
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 TranslateA Djenné terracotta vessel refers to pottery originating from the region around the ancient city of Djenné, located in Mali, West Africa. Djenné is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the ancient Djenné-Djenno archaeological site, inhabited since around 250 BC. The area is renowned for its distinctive pottery traditions, especially its terracotta vessels.
Djenné terracotta pottery is typically handmade and features a range of shapes and sizes, from large storage jars to smaller ceremonial vessels. The pottery is often characterized by its smooth, reddish-brown surface and intricately moulded or sculpted details. The designs can include geometric patterns, human or animal motifs, and sometimes abstract forms. The artisans of Djenné use traditional hand-building techniques, such as coiling, and burnish the pottery for a smooth finish.
Historically, the terracotta vessels were used for practical purposes, such as storing water, grains, and other goods, but some pieces were also made for ritualistic or funerary purposes. The craftsmanship of Djenné pottery is an important reflection of the region's long-standing artistic and cultural traditions.
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
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Djenné
Number of objects
1
Century/timeframe
XV
Title
Djenne vessel
Acquired from
Auction house
Country of origin
Mali
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Indigenous object name
Djenné
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Sold with stand
No
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Height
16 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
12 cm
Depth
12 cm
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