Provenance: Belgian estate. The previous owner collected both African Art and Belgian Contemporary Art, and served on the selection committee of the Middelheim Open-Air Museum (Antwerp).
Condition: Restored in several areas (see photos).
This expressive terracotta figure comes from the Bankoni region near Ségou, in central Mali. Bankoni sculptures are known for their powerful, almost archaic modelling and their strong sense of presence. The figure is shown seated with the hands resting on the knees, a characteristic posture within the Bankoni corpus.
The surface shows the typical granular texture and erosion associated with ancient terracottas from this region. Despite the age-related wear, the figure maintains a striking personality, with its simplified facial features and elongated upper body.
The piece has undergone restoration in several places—common for Bankoni terracottas, which are often unearthed in fragmented condition. The repairs are stable and visible in the photographs provided.
This is a compelling example for collectors interested in early terracotta traditions from Mali and in works with strong sculptural presence.
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