Explore CollectionsAfrican ArtPortrait of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata, Founder of the Empire of Mali

Portrait of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata, Founder of the Empire of Mali

Djenné Artist, Mali

Portrait of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata, Founder of the Empire of Mali

Details

Title

Portrait of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata, Founder of the Empire of Mali

Artist/Maker

Djenné Artist, Mali

Date

thirteenth–sixteenth century

Medium

Terra-cotta

Dimensions

9 1/2 x 5 x 5 inches

Credit

Purchase with Fred and Rita Richman Special Initiatives Endowment Fund for African Art

Accession #

2011.159

Location

Currently not on view

This torso, from the region of the ancient city of Djenné, depicts Sogolon, mother of Sundiata Keita (ca. 1217–1255 CE), founder of the Mali Empire. Sogolon was a real woman immortalized in the Epic of Sundiata. Over time, myth imbued her with supernatural abilities, including invincibility and the ability to transform herself into a buffalo-woman.