Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 169
Ceremonial horseman — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 169
Description
This wooden statue represents a Dogon horseman mounted on a horse, a recurring motif in the art of this people of Mali. Associated with figures of prestige and mythical ancestors, it symbolises power, protection and the transmission of knowledge.
Dogon horsemen are often linked to initiatory and commemorative rites, evoking the importance of ancestors and chiefs in social organisation. This statue has an elongated posture with one arm raised, possibly to hold a spear or sceptre. Its style is characteristic of old Dogon sculptures, with a purified face, an elongated body and geometric forms.
The wood, patinated by time, shows natural cracks and traces of wear attesting to its age. The overall condition shows erosion consistent with a piece of ritual use or prolonged display.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Dogon
- Country
- Mali
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 92 × W 17 × D 32 cm
- Weight
- 4,5 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 169