Maternity statue — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 238

Description

This ancient statue comes from the Dogon people of Mali, known for their sculpted representations linked to fertility, the transmission of life and ancestor cults. It depicts a seated woman resting her arms on her knees. One child lies horizontally on her belly and another is carried on her back, evoking protective and nurturing maternity.
The sculpture is richly decorated with traditional scarifications on the face and body. The geometric forms of the hairstyle and volumes are typical of Dogon aesthetics.
The piece is carved from dense wood, with an old patina and deep cracks linked to time. One foot of the circular base is missing, making the statue unstable on its own. One arm is broken, but the whole remains an impressive work through its presence and formal balance.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statue

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Dogon

Country

Mali

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 116 × W 25 × D 25 cm

Weight

11,5 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

238