Abstract Figure of a Female Ancestor or Deity

Origin: Dogon Tribe, Mali
Composition: wood

This rather tall (28"), and noteworthy figure has characteristics of Bambarra Tribe Jo figures in the stylization and protruding chest, but is nonetheless a Dogon figure, bought in a Dogon village in 1999. The influence of the Bambarra Jo figures on Dogon art since the 1940's and 1950's can't be overstated as there is a great deal of artistic synergy and sharing between the two tribes. For collectors and those sourcing pieces for sale to galleries and museums, it is becoming more difficult to distinguish between the two. The result can be wonderful, as it is with this female figure.

The placement of the hands on the belly adds a symnetry and introversion to the figure, and despite the absence of carved eyes, the figure does maintain an expressiveness which is subject to the interpretation of the viewer. The figure has a very linear design, and even the veil of scarification coming across the shoulders is rather linear and is not in a traditional location. This could mean the lines are intended to represent jewelry or scarification; it is not known which.

It was carved from a single piece of wood and represents a female Dogon ancestor or deity. Like many other tribes, the Dogon call upon the spirit of their ancestors and deities for a range of needs: health, prosperity, protection, and to heal illness. Figures such as this are often noted near the toguna, or holy center where the hogon, or Dogon spiritual leader, sits and resolves disputes and provides guidance and teaching to younger tribe members. Several such figures were noted near a village Hogon's hut during our last trip to Mali in 2005.

From information provided at the time of purchase and some evidence of age on the piece, it is reasonable that the piece is 30-50 years old. It is another in a group of museum quality Dogon and Bambarra figures in SUJARO's collection. The 250,000 Dogon people live on a large plateau, with most of the villages situated on cliffs to the north and the east. According to Dogon oral tradition, the tribe settled in this area between the 14th and the 15th centuries, after escaping from the Mande kingdom. Legend has it that a snake led them to the cliff at the southern end of the plateau, where they overwhelmed and usurped the local Tellem and Niongom populations. The Dogon livelihood is base on agriculture concentrated in fields at the edge of the cliff, where water is scarce, but enough for occasional irrigation. Dogon social and religious organizations are closely interlinked and out of these arose four principal cults which account for the richness and diversity of Dogon culture. (Passage from Tribal Arts of Africa).