Terracotta Serpent
Djenne, inland Niger Delta region, Mali
11th-17th c.
Presenting a coiled serpent, adorned with circular protrusions along its body. Noteworthy are its well-defined nostrils and an open mouth.
This remarkable piece is in superb condition, free from any repairs or restoration. The coiled snake holds a significant place in African symbolism, often representing fertility, rebirth, and the cyclical theme of regeneration. Within the Djenne culture, these terracotta serpents likely played a vital role in religious rituals and ceremonies, serving as conduits to invoke blessings from the earth and the spiritual realm. They stand as powerful symbols of the perpetual cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Terracotta Serpent
Djenne, inland Niger Delta region, Mali
11th-17th c.
Presenting a coiled serpent, adorned with circular protrusions along its body. Noteworthy are its well-defined nostrils and an open mouth.
This remarkable piece is in superb condition, free from any repairs or restoration. The coiled snake holds a significant place in African symbolism, often representing fertility, rebirth, and the cyclical theme of regeneration. Within the Djenne culture, these terracotta serpents likely played a vital role in religious rituals and ceremonies, serving as conduits to invoke blessings from the earth and the spiritual realm. They stand as powerful symbols of the perpetual cycle of life, death, and rebirth.