Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 197

Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197

Photo 1 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 2 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 3 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 4 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 5 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 6 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 7 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 8 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 9 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 10 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 11 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
Photo 12 — Woman carrying her child on her knees — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 197
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Description

This wooden Dogon statue represents a woman seated on a seat, carrying a child on her knees, symbolising motherhood and the transmission of life. The woman has a stylised face with elongated features and a prominent nose, typical of Dogon aesthetics. Her pointed breasts highlight her role as nurturing mother, while the child, in a posture of dependence, reflects the link between generations. The hieratic posture, combined with elongated proportions, embodies the spiritual and social values of the Dogon. Used during rituals linked to ancestor cults or fertility, these sculptures served to strengthen community bonds. The light, raw wood, without a marked patina, suggests an exposed or ritual piece. The whole illustrates a minimalist aesthetic imbued with spirituality, characteristic of Dogon art.

Technical details

Type of piece
Statue
Category
Statues
Ethnic group
Dogon
Country
Mali
Materials
wood
Dimensions
H 86 × W 19 × D 22 cm
Weight
5,4 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Restoration / losses
Arms cut off
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
197