The Dogon live in the remote Bandiagara cliffs.
Wooden figures such as these are owned by diviners
who are said to be able to control the spirits that inhabit the bush that surrounds each village. The spirits
are made visible in the sculpted forms which are placed
on shrines in the deepest recess of the diviner's house.
Sacrifices are made to them, in order to gain the protection of the spirits for the diviner's clients.
Hooks, or gaffes are intended to attract and secure vital spiritual
forces for rain and good harvests.
It expresses the Dogon
ideaology of interdependance
and unity of man & woman.
The Dogon,
are one of the most remarkable cultures in the world. After many centuries
of cultural isolation, Dogon art remains remarkably unaffected.
Height: 11 ½" x or 13" on the 2 /4" square base.
