Dogon figure
A beautiful and intriguing wooden statue of two males, one seated on the head of the other. The statue reveals the complex mastery of the carver, along with a beautiful and aged patina from much use. The figures have the same dome shaped heads that have small facial features with slightly closed eyes, small hooked nose and mouth. The ears are placed low down on the side of the head and there is a short beard running along the jaw line. The upper figure sits on the shoulders of the larger figure, the hands resting on the top of the head. Both have slim bodies with defined chests. The chest of the lower figure has a series of horizontal marks - possibly scarification marks. The lower figure has the knees bent and the hands in front of the genitals. Mounted on a custom made stand.
Dogon statues are some of the most intriguing to come out of Africa. The culture of the Dogon is based on a agrarian lifestyle that is very much at the mercy of the elements. To this end their religion and art is based around the supplication of spirits to ensure a successful harvest and to protect this from vermin, as well as the fertility of the Dogon people. Statues come in a number of forms, mostly of men or hermaphrodite figures, and usually singular. Those that show two males together are usually depicted standing side by side with their arms around each others shoulders. This statue is highly unusual in its complexity, and the fact that it shows one male seated on the shoulders of the other. It most likely represents a specific set of ancestors and was used during certain ceremonies associated with fertility.
02142
Data sheet
- Size
- 55,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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A beautiful and intriguing wooden statue of two males, one seated on the head of the other. The statue reveals the complex mastery of the carver, along with a beautiful and aged patina from much use. The figures have the same dome shaped heads that have small facial features with slightly closed eyes, small hooked nose and mouth. The ears are placed low down on the side of the head and there is a short beard running along the jaw line. The upper figure sits on the shoulders of the larger figure, the hands resting on the top of the head. Both have slim bodies with defined chests. The chest of the lower figure has a series of horizontal marks - possibly scarification marks. The lower figure has the knees bent and the hands in front of the genitals. Mounted on a custom made stand.
Dogon statues are some of the most intriguing to come out of Africa. The culture of the Dogon is based on a agrarian lifestyle that is very much at the mercy of the elements. To this end their religion and art is based around the supplication of spirits to ensure a successful harvest and to protect this from vermin, as well as the fertility of the Dogon people. Statues come in a number of forms, mostly of men or hermaphrodite figures, and usually singular. Those that show two males together are usually depicted standing side by side with their arms around each others shoulders. This statue is highly unusual in its complexity, and the fact that it shows one male seated on the shoulders of the other. It most likely represents a specific set of ancestors and was used during certain ceremonies associated with fertility.