Large Tellem Dogon Statue, Mali
Large Tellem Dogon statue from Mali, Bandiagara cliff, made of very hard and heavy wood, in used condition. The statue dates from at least the 19th century but is probably earlier, with a superb honey-colored patina on the wood. It depicts the famous Nommo, the water spirit, so important to the Dogon people.
As the Dogon say, "The Nommo holds the water and the water holds man." Without water, they cannot survive and must therefore migrate; these statues were thus highly venerated.
The raised hands seem to implore the heavens for rain, which is the most commonly accepted explanation for the gesture.
In any case, this is a rare and superb Dogon statue, exceptional for its age, and would merit carbon-14 dating. Hauteur 70 cm et 74 en comptant le socle .
As the Dogon say, "The Nommo holds the water and the water holds man." Without water, they cannot survive and must therefore migrate; these statues were thus highly venerated.
The raised hands seem to implore the heavens for rain, which is the most commonly accepted explanation for the gesture.
In any case, this is a rare and superb Dogon statue, exceptional for its age, and would merit carbon-14 dating. Hauteur 70 cm et 74 en comptant le socle .
3 500 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Condition of use
Reference (ID): 1679763
Availability: In stock
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