Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 198
Maternity statue — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 198
Unavailable
Description
This wooden Dogon statue represents a seated female figure holding a child in her arms, a strong symbol of fertility, transmission and maternal protection. A gris-gris is suspended around her neck, marking her spiritual and protective role.
Dogon maternity statues are generally associated with domestic altars and village sanctuaries, serving to invoke the blessing of the ancestors, ensure fecundity and the prosperity of the family. The child she carries symbolises the continuity of the lineage, a central element in Dogon social organisation. The gris-gris, often imbued with mystical powers, is intended to protect the mother and child against harmful forces.
The piece is carved from dense wood with a natural patina and shows age cracks that confirm its age and prolonged use. The elongated proportions and the attention given to detail, particularly in the posture and facial expression, testify to traditional Dogon craftsmanship.
Technical details
- Availability
- Unavailable
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Dogon
- Country
- Mali
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 87 × W 17 × D 17 cm
- Weight
- 3,9 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 198