Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 150

Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 3 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 4 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 5 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 6 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 7 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 8 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 9 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

Photo 10 — Dogon carved post — hunter, chameleon and birds — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 150

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Description

This Dogon ritual post, carved from a single block of old wood, comes from Mali and embodies the symbolic richness of the religious statuary of this people. It shows a hunter in frontal position holding a raised gun, carved in relief at the base of the structure. On the upper part unfolds a monumental chameleon, a Dogon totemic symbol associated with transformation, regeneration and spiritual intercession. Two restored birds crown the composition, balanced on the upper ends of the shaft. Their presence evokes mediators between sky and earth. Numerous incised geometric motifs enrich the surface, marking a strong ritual dimension. The patina is deep and old. This is not a load-bearing element, but a votive post with a protective or cosmological function.

Technical details

Type of piece: Statue
Category: Statues
Ethnic group: dogon
Country: Mali
Materials: wood
Dimensions: H 100 × W 10 × D 40 cm
Weight: 8,5 kg
Estimated dating: second half 20th c.
Restoration / losses: Restored
Laboratory test: Not tested
Reference: 150