African Tribal Art - Dogon Ancestor Figure

Ex-Belgian private collection

This is an African sculpture representing a subject frozen in a rare tilting movement. The head is slightly oriented towards the side of the arm which holds the phallus. The surface of the sculpture is dry, marked by traces of various libations and marks of deep erosions and cracks. Dogon statues are generally carved to order of specific families, but they can also be the object of worship within the community as a whole. Their precise functions, however, remain relatively unknown. Alongside Islam, Dogon religious rituals revolve around four main cults: the Lébé, linked to fertility and led by the Hogon, the Wagem, dedicated to the ancestors and placed under the authority of the patriarch, the Binou, which evokes the world of spirits and is led by the priest of Binou, as well as the society of masks, which has particular importance during funerals.


Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: What is the certificate of authenticity? https://www.african-arts-gallery.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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