Maternity statue with twins — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 245

Description

This Dogon maternity statue from Mali represents a seated woman holding two twin children on her knees, illustrating the importance of twinship in Dogon culture. Twins are perceived as sacred beings, bearers of blessings and spiritual power, and their cult occupies a central place in Dogon animist beliefs.
Dogon maternal figures such as this one are often associated with family altars and fertility rites, emphasising the protective role of the mother and her link with cosmic forces. The prominent conical breasts and the seated posture accentuate this symbolism of fecundity and lineage continuity.
Carved from old wood, this piece shows a natural patina and traces of erosion, attesting to its age and ritual use. The facial features are angular, with a finely detailed headdress and an expression of serenity, typical of Dogon aesthetics.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statue

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Dogon

Country

Mali

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 72 × W 12 × D 15 cm

Weight

2,6 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

245