Dogon Yadougou Dege shrine figure
Magico-religious practices in Dogon art
This Dogon statue consists of several female figures back to back carrying a central container. It bears the name of yadougou dege (ya = woman, dougou = witch, dege = sculpture). It belongs to the yadougou monou (monou = society). The witches would concoct poison and cast spells against the dyodyonune healers who, in turn, carry out medicines. Witches are often depicted on the healer's mask.
While the purpose for which it was created is not entirely clear, the thick patina suggests a ritual function involving repeated applications of offerings and libations. This African sculpture may have adorned a shrine or altar created to communicate with the ancestors of a Dogon lineage group or other supernatural powers.
Dogon sculpture emphasizes angularity and rectilinear form: the Dogon artist who sculpted this altar statue has reduced his subject to a set of simple geometric elements. The arms and legs are attenuated columns broken by sharp angles at the elbows and knees, while sharp cones replace the protruding breasts and bellies.
The heads have stylized and angular features.
From a compositional point of view, the work displays a sophisticated play of heavy masses and delicate openwork. See in the context photo a small box in a wall containing a Dogon altar figure.
01588
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 17 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection France
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Magico-religious practices in Dogon art
This Dogon statue consists of several female figures back to back carrying a central container. It bears the name of yadougou dege (ya = woman, dougou = witch, dege = sculpture). It belongs to the yadougou monou (monou = society). The witches would concoct poison and cast spells against the dyodyonune healers who, in turn, carry out medicines. Witches are often depicted on the healer's mask.
While the purpose for which it was created is not entirely clear, the thick patina suggests a ritual function involving repeated applications of offerings and libations. This African sculpture may have adorned a shrine or altar created to communicate with the ancestors of a Dogon lineage group or other supernatural powers.
Dogon sculpture emphasizes angularity and rectilinear form: the Dogon artist who sculpted this altar statue has reduced his subject to a set of simple geometric elements. The arms and legs are attenuated columns broken by sharp angles at the elbows and knees, while sharp cones replace the protruding breasts and bellies.
The heads have stylized and angular features.
From a compositional point of view, the work displays a sophisticated play of heavy masses and delicate openwork. See in the context photo a small box in a wall containing a Dogon altar figure.