Dogon ancestors couple
€350.00
African Dogon art
Belgian african tribal art collection
This elegant couple of wooden Dogon statuettes with miniaturized dimensions can be compared to the Bombou-Toro style, in the center of the Bandiagara cliff, in Mali. These magnificent statuettes with clean lines and very cubist result in a whole offering a complex architecture but balanced forms.
These objects were the property of women's societies and symbolized the feminine ancestor who was called upon during rites of rain, fertility and to ensure the smooth running of pregnancies. The statuettes were taken out during births, but also during the initiation of young girls, when they were taught cotton spinning.
During the funerals, they were displayed on the terrace of the house of the deceased, hence their name of "terrace sculptures". The function of this object is partly revealed by its attributes: the labret, worn by women from an early age, symbolizes weaving and "protects against bad words, a custom that can be found all along the south cliff. »Cf. Leloup, Statuaire Dogon, 1994, description fig. 85.
They carry a very pretty patina resulting from the repeated application of oil and shea butter which women regularly perform during worship in order to maintain this ancestral symbol of femininity.
Shipping fees
02285
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 20th c.
- Size
- 10 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Galerie d'art, Bruxelles, Sablon
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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African Dogon art
Belgian african tribal art collection
This elegant couple of wooden Dogon statuettes with miniaturized dimensions can be compared to the Bombou-Toro style, in the center of the Bandiagara cliff, in Mali. These magnificent statuettes with clean lines and very cubist result in a whole offering a complex architecture but balanced forms.
These objects were the property of women's societies and symbolized the feminine ancestor who was called upon during rites of rain, fertility and to ensure the smooth running of pregnancies. The statuettes were taken out during births, but also during the initiation of young girls, when they were taught cotton spinning.
During the funerals, they were displayed on the terrace of the house of the deceased, hence their name of "terrace sculptures". The function of this object is partly revealed by its attributes: the labret, worn by women from an early age, symbolizes weaving and "protects against bad words, a custom that can be found all along the south cliff. »Cf. Leloup, Statuaire Dogon, 1994, description fig. 85.
They carry a very pretty patina resulting from the repeated application of oil and shea butter which women regularly perform during worship in order to maintain this ancestral symbol of femininity.