Wooden Monkey - Dogon - Mali

The Dogon wooden monkey from Mali is a traditional sculpture that sits within the Dogon culture's figurative art. Typically carved from dense wood, it depicts a monkey with stylized forms, sometimes in a dynamic or symbolic posture. This type of figure can be linked to mythological narratives, representations of the animal world, or ritual functions, depending on the contexts of use. In a more symbolic and contemporary reading, this sculpture highlights the connection between humans and nature as it is perceived in Dogon thought. The simplified treatment of forms and the expression of movement give the work a universal dimension, while preserving a strong cultural identity.