Module 10: Africa

Seated Figure, terracotta, 13th century, Mali, Inland Niger Delta region, Djenné peoples, 25/4 x 29.9 cm

    The image above is of a terracotta sculpture from the 13th century found in the Inland Niger Delta region. Because other sculptures from this location were robbed, it is impossible to compare these sorts of statues in order to provide more information about the figure.

    The majority of what has been written and disputed about the Seated Figure is speculative. According to some experts, the figure is merely an evocative portrayal of the human body. However, the majority of people believe that this terracotta artwork depicts disease and illness. Trade between individuals in the region had become common during the presumed period this item was created. The trans-Saharan trade was particularly important. Diseases spread as a result of the proliferation of trades.

    With this in mind, the figure's position might indicate an ailment such as polio. The way the person coddles their limp leg corresponds to a polio symptom: muscle weakness, particularly in the legs. The dips and lumps on the back of the figure, on the other hand, do not correspond to polio. These dips and bumps have a very articulate structure, and it is unknown what they are supposed to signify. According to the belief that the features reflect illness, the could be pustules, cysts, or some other sort of wound.

    Another speculation of the figure's meaning is mourning. The sense of dread and grief paired with the pose can be compared to mourning customs in this area of Western Africa. Some of these customs are still practiced till this day. There are certain rituals that are expected to be carried out in the event of a family member's death. One expectation is the person mourning must shave their head, which is significant in this context as the figure is bald.

    Mourning is another interpretation of the figure's significance. The expression of dread and despair, together with the stance, might be compared to mourning practices in this region of Western Africa. Some of these traditions are still observed today. Certain rituals are expected to be performed in the event of a family member's death. One expectation is that the mourner shave their head, which is relevant in this setting given the figure's baldness.

Citations

Seated Figure | Middle Niger civilization. (n.d.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/314362

Clarke, C. (n.d.). Seated Figure (Djenné peoples) (article). Khan Academy. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-africa/west-africa/mali1/a/seated-figure-djenn-peoples

Dr. Kristina Van Dyke and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Lost History: the terracotta sculpture of Djenné-Djenno," in Smarthistory, September 8, 2017, accessed November 27, 2021, https://smarthistory.org/lost-history-the-terracotta-sculpture-of-djenne-djenno/.

Ekore, R. I., & Lanre-Abass, B. (2016). African Cultural Concept of Death and the Idea of Advance Care Directives. Indian journal of palliative care, 22(4), 369–372. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1075.191741