We are very pleased to introduce this important collection of terracottas from West Africa to the public.
This collection presentis pieces hitherto unknown to the connoisseurs, it opens a new chapter on the immense world of terracotta sculpture, and it is our hope that this in turnn will lead to other such initiatives. The extraordinary strength, superb beauty and pure emotion of terracotta are here for all to see.
Our selection of these sculptures was guided by the desire to draw attention to, and arouse interest in, the cultures of Mali (djnné and Bankoni) and Ghana (Akan).
Djenné is situated on the inland Niger Delta. Although it is not considered a city of primary importance in the Mali region, it is extremely important as an archaeological site, and it ranks as one of the most important sites in West Africa. The sculptures from this area share common base technique, even though the may have different iconographic and stylistic peculiarities.
Unfortunately, we did not have enogh time to obtain all the dating tests.
Howevwe, in 1979, Oxford University analysed many of the Djnné sculptures and approximated their origin to be between 1100 and 1600 A.D.
Continuing down the river Niger we arrive at another very important site, Bamako. In this region, several long-limbed style Bankoni sculptures have been found, and our exhibition presents what are probably some of the best examples of this style.
Finally, we are delighted to present some Akan style heads, which impressed us for their beauty and the somewhat out-of-time element that they display in their plasticness and elegance, which has nothing whatsoever to envy of Western culture.
The contents of the catalogue serve to make one reflect on these "wild" cultures which are still almost completely unknown. We are certain that we have contributed, even if only in a small way, to the "rediscovery" of these important sculptures and of the civilizations which they so clearly represent.