Ancient Pottery Artifact Pieds de Lit Astrales 12th C, Mali

Description

Two ancient Inner Niger River Delta “pieds de lit astrales”, translated means astral bed posts.
Hand-shaped in clay and single fired in a traditional ground pit oven, these miniature terracotta artifacts originate from the region of Goundam, south-west of Timbuktu in Mali.
Possibly ritual objects, representing elements of a bed, they were symbolic vehicles to transport the deceased into the world beyond.
So as to assure the voyage into the other world, a miniature-sized bed, complete with 4 to 6 clay bed posts with transverse clay posts was set up.
“The spiritual soothsayers would perform the secret ritual of assuring transport of the deceased to the world beyond the stars” – I am recounting the parable as it was told to me by the person that I acquired these pieces from in Mali. 
Exquisite age patina – no chips or cracks, incrustations – Collected in Mali.
These may be datable to the 12th century of our era.

*** NOTE: Kindly consult “TERRES CUITES AFRICAINES” Collections du musée Barbier-Mueller pp. 52, an article by Kristina van Dyke (reference photos).

Height: 9,5cm (3 3/4″)
Diameter: 3,8 cm (1 1/2″)
Weight: 185 grams (6,3 oz)
Age: Excavated – estimated 12th century AD