Unidentified

Serpent Devouring a Human Figure

circa 11th-17th century

Category
Culture
Djenné
Place Made
Mali: Inland Niger Delta Region
Materials
Terracotta
Measurements
5 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 10 1/2 in (13.335 x 16.51 x 26.67 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Robert P. Gordy Fund
Accession #
90.194
Description

A coiled serpent, its body covered by circular indentations, in the act of swallowing a human figure. It has raised eyebrows and nostrils with an open mouth exposing teeth. Bent human legs with banded anklets and delineated toes protrude from the mouth.