DOGON KNEELING FEMALE FIGURE

Provenance: Italian Private collection

The sculpture’s surface provides important information concerning its ritual use. Carved from one piece of wood, the sculpture is fully covered with a thick application of organic matter. Among the Dogon the patina played the role of receptacle for 'Nyama", or life force. Without this substance and its ritual appliance, the statue would be a mere piece of wood devoid of any protective power.

Dogon people, Mali, Africa
Wood, 18th/19th Century, 23 cm

Price: € 2.200,-