Although referred to as “Djenne terracottas”, the exact provenance of these figures is not always clear, and could be more accurately referred to as Inland Niger Delta terracottas, or terracottas of the Middle Niger civilization, which includes not only the ancient city of Djenne, but the broader region as well. They date to a time and place closely associated with the Mali Empire and its legendary cavalry forces, which were used to maintain the power of the state and control over the lucrative trade routes.
The purpose of these medieval pieces, some of which being relatively large at over 68 cm in height, is not entirely understood, though they probably represent ancestral figures that served a ritual purpose at the royal courts or shrines of the Mali Empire or its client states. The terracotta figures are the most well-known, but similar wooden sculptures dated to as early as the 14th century exist as well.
“These sculptures represent warriors dressed in military gear. They are equipped with quivers (cases to hold arrows) on their backs and knives strapped to each of their left arms. The horse is equipped with a bridle and ceremonial adornment around its neck. Early Arabic documents attest to the importance of the court's cavalry and describe riders wearing wide-legged pants, close-fitting caps and anklets and carrying quivers.” -Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
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