Portrait of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata, Founder of the Empire of Mali
Djenné Artist, 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
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.
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