Old Terracotta / stone Bankoni sculpture - Niger - Mali. This superb and highly characteristic Bankoni sculpture measures 20 cm high. This Bankoni sculpture was collected in my private collection in 1984. Good condition with clear signs of age. Without thermoluminescence test, the attribution and datation is given for reference only, and the piece stays subject to authentication. This exquisite sculpture comes from the inland Niger River Delta region of modern-day Mali. Of the many styles discovered in the area, the Bankoni are among the most famous and prolific. Bankoni works are characterized by their elongated proportions and striking faces. The facial structures are quite simply modeled. The eyes and mouth are vertical slits carved into the clay, while the nose is a prominent ridge and the ears protrude like shells. The culture that produced this masterpiece of early Black African sculpture and its customs remain unknown. However, their artistic excellence and elegant simplicity shine through. Good condition with clear signs of age, old piece.