Fine Miniature Bronze Mother and Child

Fine Miniature Bronze Mother and Child. Djenne Culture, Mali (C. 12th-16th Century)

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Depicting a kneeling mother cradling her child, this beautifully cast Djenne bronze is a miniature sculptural marvel. The mothers head is slightly tilted upwards, displaying a pronounced mouth and chin - a stylistic characteristic found among works from this period. The elongated form of the mothers body features extended arms, accentuating her protective gesture. As a result of weathering over the centuries, the bronze has developed a verdigris surface patina.

Small bronze figurines from the Djenne period are some of the earliest known examples of African figurative art. A lot is unknown about this figurines use, but it is considered beside other functions that they were possibly kept in family shrines and buried with the deceased.

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Ex Galerie Walu, Zurich (before 1990)

Ex Private Collection, Switzerland

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Estimated Period: 12th Century - 16th Century

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H (Incl. Stand): 8.5cm