Male Figure

Culture: Inland Niger Delta artist (Bankoni subgroup)
Date: 1440–1720
Material: Terracotta
associated with: Mopti Region, Mali, Africa
Classification: Ceramics, sculpture
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 102
Dimensions: 22 3/4 x 7 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. (57.8 x 19.1 x 17.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Thomas Alexander and Laura Rogers
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 75:1999

NOTES

The subtle twist of the head and simple yet sophisticated hairstyle of this male figure suggest a person of elegance and high status. The simple treatment of the face with small, pierced eyes, elongated torso, and large wristlet decorations and neck pendant are all characteristic of the Bankoni style. Other figurative works in the Bankoni style include musicians and mounted warriors, suggesting that a hierarchical system was in place in Bankoni society. This figure is part of a larger group of terracotta works from the Inland Niger Delta region represented elsewhere in this installation.

Provenance

- 1992
Davis Gallery [Charlie Davis], New Orleans, LA, USA

1992 - 1999
Thomas Alexander and Laura Rogers, St. Louis, MO, acquired by trade from Davis Gallery [1]

1999 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Thomas Alexander and Laura Rogers [2]

Notes:
[1] According to IRS Form 8283 signed by Thomas Alexander on March 13, 2000, Alexander acquired this object through a trade with C. [Charlie] Davis [Davis Gallery] on May 30, 1992 [SLAM document files].

[2] A Deed of Gift signed by Thomas Alexander on December 23, 1999 documents the gift of this object to the Saint Louis Art Museum [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Collections Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, March 9, 2000.

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