Dogon “Meditative Ancestor” statue — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 206

Description

Originating from Mali and attributed to the Dogon people, this statue is a ritual object used on ancestral altars or in sanctuaries to invoke spirits and ask for their protection. It embodies an ancestor or spiritual figure in a meditative posture, the hands supporting the chin, a gesture often interpreted as a sign of deep reflection or communication with the spiritual world. The Dogon attach great importance to sculpted figures that serve as intermediaries between the living and invisible forces.

Carved from old wood with a natural patina, this piece presents a figure with angular features, powerful legs and hands placed on the chin. The crest headdress and facial scarifications are typical of Dogon sculptures.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statue

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Dogon

Country

Mali

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 60 × W 11 × D 14 cm

Weight

1,4 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

206