Ancestral Figure - Dogon People, Mali M24

The Dogon live in the remote Bandiagara cliffs. They have a very complex cosmology and are known for their incredible masks and sculptures. Sculptures are important in their everyday life. Both their making & purpose have symbolic meaning. Sculptures are kept in houses, sanctuaries or by the Hogon (spiritual leader).This tall and impressive piece represents a female ancestral figure. It served as a shrine figure belonging to the Hogon, the spiritual leader of the Dogon. The Dogon worship their ancestors, both historical and mythical, and this figure relates to a real or fictional ancestor. The sculpture of the Dogon constitutes one of the richest artistic traditions of West Africa.

Ex. Helene & Philippe LeLoup, New York 1991 and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.

“The name of Hélène Leloup is synonymous with works of exceptional quality. As a passionate visionary she was one of very few women in the field of African art from the 1950s when she began. From the 87 catalogues for the exhibitions she produced in her four galleries to the more than fifty museums she sold to, no dealer of the mid to late twentieth century did more to develop an appreciation of African art and culture on an international scale."Jean Fritts, Sotheby's International Consultant, African and Oceanic Art.

Eroded arms due to age, cracks and bottom portion of left foot missing.

Height: 34" x Width: 4" x Depth: 4 ½" - on its 6 ½" square base, it is 34 ⅝" in height.