A FINE DOGON ANCESTOR STATUE

Provenance: Old Dutch collection, Haarlem, the Netherlands

Dogon sculpture is primarily concerned with the spirits responsible for the fertility of both land and people. These include a family’s real and mythical ancestors, the souls of women who died in childbirth, and water spirits. While the exact functions and meanings of individual works often remain obscure, scholars agree that Dogon sculptures were created for shrines.

Dogon peoples, Mali, Africa
Wood, beginning of 20th century. 44 cm, stand included. Patina of use, crack on right side