Fragment of an Equestrian Figure

Origin: Djenne Culture, Mali
Composition: terracotta

South of Wagadu, in the hills along the Upper Niger, the kingdom of Mali arose during the 12th century. The son of Sundjata, the founder of the empire, was Mansa Musa, who became famous for centuries for the wealth and generosity he displayed during his travels to Egypt and to Mecca.

One of the most important resources for archaeological finds related to this wealthy kingdom is the modern day city of Jenne (Djenne), which is often referred to as Jenne-Jeno, or "Old Jenne."

Excavated during the 1980s, only a few hundred terracottas from the extinct Djenne culture have been discovered. The equestrian image is one of the distinct Djenne sculptural styles, which also infers the prestige attached to owning a horse at the time of this empire (Ref: Visona, "A History of Art In Africa," Bacquart, "The Tribal Arts of Africa").

This piece was thermoluminescence tested by Alliance Science Art (Paris), and found to be authentic, having been fired (created) between 1230 and 1370 A.D.

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