Head

The discovery of terracotta sculptures from the Niger River by Europeans dates back to French colonisation. They were found abandoned and scattered inside the Niger Delta cities and settlements. The discoveries made by archaeologists in modern Mali, in the ancient city of Djenne-Jeno (also called old Djenne or Djenne, Djenne-Djenno, Jenne-Jeno, or old Jeno), which was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 14th century, seem to be of particular interest. The success of official archaeological research and the renewed interest of Europeans in Malian terracotta led to a real epidemic of illegal excavations organised by the local population. Many ancient settlements were plundered, the finds from which were mainly destined for trade. The presented sculpture shows a small, round headset on a massive neck with characteristic ears. Two incisions are marked on the left side of the face: one at the level of the eye, while the second, longer one starts from the eye and rounds off near the chin, forming a chin. Terracotta figures from the Djenne-Jeno region, usually presented in a pose of adoration or meditation, also depict horse riders. The figures are usually covered with geometric patterns, often linear, cut with a sharp tool or made with a pre-firing thread impression in soft clay. It is believed that they were made over several centuries until the 16th century. Some experts believe that they may have represented guardians and spirits looking after households, deceased ancestors or characters from traditional myths and legends.

Katarzyna Findlik-Gawron