aardewerk - Djenné - Mali

A fine collection of antique pottery items from the Djenné-Djenno culture of Mali. Found in the region of Djenné, when the river Niger causes floodings and unearths old settlements. This culture florished in the 14th-16th Cent. in Central-Mali. There are 5 different items presented here;
The large pottery vessel has a reddish engobe covering the outside. With a wide body and a long neck. Small piece missing on the top rim. Height; 24 cm.
The smaller pottery bowl also has a reddish engobe on the outside. Nicely proportioned design. Dim.; 13 x 9 cm.
The third item is a pottery item; a so called "grave marker"; supposedly an magical ,ritualistic item placed in a grave next to a deceased person and protecting it with the shamanic snakes. Symbolic hole to let the soul free. Dim. 8 x 8 cm.
The two other pottery items could be miniature vessels and bowls, given to a deceased person for the afterlife. Dim.; 4,5 cm wide and 4,5 cm high. All items were collected in situ in the late 1990`s
Possibly older than 1900, but without test, it stays our opinion only.