Malian Bronze Maternity Figure

Seated figure cradles a small one, in a pale sea-green patina.

This Djenne bronze maternity figure is from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. The Djenne, in the inland Niger delta of Mali, are known for a long tradition of art, and mother and child imagery appears widely in West African sculpture. Figure seated with knees drawn up, holding a smaller figure against its chest. The forms are simplified and cast in loose, sketchy lines. Surface is crusted with soft green and brown corrosion. It is 1 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 1.75 high.

Small and rough, and very gentle in its gesture.