A fine, large fragmentary bust of a human figure whose body is covered with hemispherical pustule-like growths. According to Bernard de Grunne, these statues may have been used to pray for healing from pathologies such as smallpox. The face, with its protruding eyes, delicate scarification and flat-worked beard, displays all the characteristics of the great Djenné style. Djenné civilization, Mali Date: 1200 - 1400 A.D. Fine ochre-red clay, with visible old chips and slight wear, beautiful slip marked with old black concretions. H. 20 cm Provenance : - Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels - Marc Blanpain Collection, Brussels Publications and Exhibitions : - Schaedler, Earth and Ore. 2500 Years of African Art in Terra-cotta and Metal, 1997, p. 45, no. 50, Burgrieden-Rot, Museum Villa Rot, June - November 1998 - Grunne (de), Djenné-Jeno. 1000 ans de sculpture en terre cuite au Mali / Djenné-Jeno. 1000 years of terracotta statuary in Mali, 2014, n° 37