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Kneeling Figure

11th–14th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Physically imposing seated figures whose bodies are pyramidal in shape form a distinctive subgroup of the Middle Niger corpus of terracotta figures. A tiny, rounded head sits atop this figure’s narrow shoulders, while the arms descend toward a wide base. Its hands rest on protruding knees, while its legs are folded beneath rounded thighs. The figure’s surface is animated with raised dots and writhing serpents positioned in carefully articulated, evenly spaced rows. Such dramatic aesthetic flourishes may reference some type of bodily affliction.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Kneeling Figure
  • Date: 11th–14th century
  • Geography: Mali
  • Culture: Middle Niger civilization
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 20 3/8 × W. 13 × D. 13 in. (51.8 × 33 × 33 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Private collection
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing