Globular Vessel with Climbing Snakes

Origin: Djenne Culture, Mali
Composition: terracotta

The old town of Djenné (Jenne-jeno) is located on an island in the inland Niger Delta of Mali; it was founded around 800 A.D., with 10,000 inhabitants. The production of terracotta and metal sculptures sculptures occurred between the 12th and 16th centuries, but the function of many such objects remains unknown (Ref: Schadler, "Earth and Ore").

This piece is hallow (note the hole in the first image), but filled with a loose earthen material. Snakes are commonly depicted in Djenné sculpture, but are most commonly seen crawling over human figures.

This piece was thermoluminescence tested by Laboratory Ralf Kotalla (Germany), and found to be authentic, having been fired (created) between 1107 and 1407 A.D.

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