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Mali Djenné-Jeno, recognised as the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa, was proven on an island in the Niger Delta of contemporary Mali. Flourishing between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, it appeared as a pivotal centre for trans-Saharan trade. The discovery of a remarkable collection of terracotta sculptures shows the presence of a highly developed urban society, sustaining a population exceeding ten thousand. These praying figures in terracotta from the Djenné culture typically depict elongated human forms with stylized features, often shown in a posture of prayer or reverence. These figures usually have simplified, abstracted facial features, with large eyes and minimal detailing, emphasizing spiritual or symbolic significance. Their bodies are often slender, with arms either crossed over the chest or raised in a gesture of supplication, reflecting the religious and ceremonial practices of the culture. Crafted with a focus on spiritual expression rather than realistic anatomy, these terracotta figures embody the community's connection to their ancestors, deities, and spiritual beliefs.