Mythical zoomorphic terracotta figure. Tenenkou, Mali, 12th-16th century H 35.5cm. This enigmatic mythical figure with its vertically upturned head and stubby arms (breasts are indicated at the bottom) is the only one of the five known types that bears no resemblance to a living being; it appears to be a spirit with a special mission (inv. no. KS T16). Illustrated in: A. Achmann, A. Schröder, 2019, Faszination Kunst, Munich (2019), p. 112. Brown, shiny patina, intact Provenance: Acquired in the 1990s in the Paris art trade, since then in Germany.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.