Dogon Figure (Mali)

This elongated wooden figure reflects the sculptural traditions of the Dogon people of Mali, where carving has long been intertwined with religion, ancestry, and cosmology. While many Dogon figures were made for family or community altars, serving as vessels of communication with ancestors and divine forces, this example likely reflects a more recent interpretation of the tradition.

The figure’s tall, slender proportions and simplified details set it apart from earlier or ritual altar figures. Its clean surface and modernist elongation suggest it was carved in the mid-late 20th century, possibly for the art market rather than long-term ritual use.

Even so, the symbolism remains strong. The bowed head conveys humility and gratitude, while the crest references Dogon hairstyles and ritual adornment, and the necklace across the chest suggests initiation and protective power. These elements connect the work to Dogon cosmology, where sculpture served as a bridge between the human, ancestral, and divine worlds.

This piece stands as both an echo of Dogon belief and an example of how traditional forms evolved in response to new audiences. Its presence highlights the enduring dialogue between African art and global aesthetics, where elongated proportions and meditative form resonate as much with Dogon spirituality as with modernist ideals.

83in x 9in x 6.5in
Misgana African Art Private Collection

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