A Fine and Rare Djennenke Male Figure, Mali

rising from parted legs, the male figure with hands against the body, a large cylindrical neck and triangular head surmounted by a trapezoidal board-like element representing two raised arms; exceptionally fine blackened, partially crusty and weathered patina.

Christie's, New York, November 22, 1996, lot 126
Acquired by the present owner at the above auction

very good condition overall for an object of this style and age; feet eroded minor losses on neck, chin, nose and left corner of the board; exceptionally fine blackened, partially crusty and weathered patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The offered figure relates closely to a Djennenke female figure in the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York (accession no. '76.80', published in Leloup 1994: pl. 22). The treatment of the limbs, neck and head, the form of the navel as well as the geometric gridded scarification on the torso and face are virtually identical and suggest both figures were made by the same workshop. Hélène Leloup (1994: text to pl. 22) suggests the Brooklyn figure to have originated from Gimini village on the Bandiagara plateau and adds:  "Because of its scarifications, this very powerful sculpture attests to the ties that existed between the Djennenke and indigenous populations on the [Bandiagara] Plateau. Several features link them to the cliff dwellers: the morphology, the face with prominent nose and mouth, the small board representing two raised arms for the rain ritual."