Head

The brick-coloured clay sculpture depicts a human figure with a head resting on a massive neck with a rectangular face. Two circular thickenings (nodules) were marked on the head, probably representing a hairstyle or a headdress. The left arm of the sculpture was also preserved, with a characteristic circular ornament from which rays diverge, modelled on it. This sculpture was fired in an oxidising atmosphere by an experienced specialist who had a suitable workshop with a good furnace. The beautiful brick-red colour was obtained thanks to the high temperature, which also influenced the hardness and thus reduced the susceptibility to mechanical damage and durability. The origins and purpose of the terracotta figurines from Djenne-Jeno (also called old Djenne or Djenne, Djenne-Djenno, Jenne-Jeno, or old Jeno); the city was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned in the 14th century) are still the subject of research. The region is indeed distinguished by its peculiar style. When carving a human figure, an animal, or a vessel, the artists showed great precision, taking care to capture even the smallest detail. Anthropomorphic sculptures from this region are richly decorated. They usually depict men with their heads pushed up, square chins and strongly defined eyelid lines. Their bodies are usually covered with jewellery and geometric patterns. Sometimes one can see elements of the costume and numerous protuberant nodules that look like pimples, perhaps traces of diseases.

Katarzyna Findlik-Gawron