GothamGallery Fine African Art - Mali Dogon Old Figure

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Offering the Finest Quality Sub-Saharan African Art Fine African Mali Dogon Seated Ancestor Figure Measurement: Height: 11.25 Width: 3 Depth: 3.5 Inches Measurement: Height: 28.5 Width: 7.5 Depth: 9 Centimeters Measurement Statue OnlyMaterial: Wood Estimated Age: 19th - 20th Century Condition: Good Remarks: Stylized figure aged weatd surface Shipping: US East Coast - Estimated $15.00 Exact rate use shipping calculator INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS WELCOME DESCRIPTION Stylized figure female representation, typical Dogon features, simplified carving with smooth coiffure, arrow shaped nose, seating position in a rigid pose, aged surface varied patina. CONDITION Major deterioration on bottom base, also side of head, other areas minor, overall condition good and stable. Thank you and please view my other items. BACKGROUND The 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 i4th 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, w they overwhelmed and usurped the local Tellem and Niongom populations. The Dogon livelihood is based on agriculture concentrated in fields at the edge of the cliff, w 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 accounts for the richness and diversity of Dogon culture. Dogon art is extremely versatile, although common stylistic characteristics - such as a tendency towards stylization - are apparent on the statues. Dogon figures are predominantly associated with the ancestor cult. They are carved either for personal or family use or, if they commemorate the foundation of a community, are worshipped by the village. The artistic influence of Niongom and Tellem traditions on Dogon statues is apparent. The Niongom people occupied the southern part of the cliff during the ioth century and carved elongated statues with arrow-shaped noses, lozenge eyes and arms hanging at their sides. The form of Niongom carvings also characteristically followed the shape of the wood. It is thought they were placed on altars which, when later abandoned, were left untouched. With the passing of time, the figures gained a weatd patina. The Tellem people settled at the same time and in the same area as the Niongom, and carved abstract figures in a symmetrical frontal pose with their arms raised. This gesture, thought to represent a plea for rain, is presumably an important part of Tellem ceremonies. A custom base is included with this piece. It is important to properly exhibit a beautiful piece of art. The splendor of the piece cannot be fully revealed without a correct display. Custom bases can cost a minimum of thirty and up to several hundred dollars depending on its complexity and size. It is very difficult to locate a good stand maker regardless of price, but fortunately this piece will be appropriately displayed and ready for you and your guests’ enjoyment. Painter Fred Uhlman words - Most of the artists I admired, Picasso, Modigliani, Deraini, to mention only a few, had collected African art and had been profoundly influenced by it. Shortly afterwards I bought the Baule Fetish and the Baule bobbin which are still two of the finest pieces in my collection. It is easy to see why I bought them and why from that moment I have never stopped collecting. The head of the bobbin or heddle - pulley which is after all only a functional object for the purpose of weaving seemed to me then and today as beautiful as a Greek goddess. The fetish moved me as deeply as the bobbin by its silent tragic dignity and its air of profound meditation. GUARANTEE AUTHENTICITY AND CONDITION OF ITEMS ARE GUARANTEE TO THEIR DESCRIPTION. IF THE ITEM IS FOUND TO BE N... read more

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