Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 280
Maternity statue — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 280
Unavailable
Description
This statue represents a female figure carrying a child on her back, whose arms are articulated, an emblematic motif of maternity in Dogon art from Mali. It embodies fertility and maternal protection, essential values in Dogon society.
Carved from old, hard wood, the figure has an elongated face with a straight nose and almond-shaped eyes, typical of Dogon sculptures. The braided headdress is detailed and extends to the back, a frequent characteristic in Dogon art. The robust body is marked by prominent breasts and short, massive legs, accentuating the nourishing symbolism.
This sculpture probably served in a ritual context, perhaps linked to family altars dedicated to ancestors or fertility divinities. The eroded aspect of the wood and the visible cracks attest to its age and prolonged ritual use.
Technical details
- Availability
- Unavailable
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Dogon
- Country
- Mali
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 112 × W 16 × D 23 cm
- Weight
- 6,8 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 280