Dogon altar figure - Figure - Mali

05
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17
hours
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Current bid
€ 380
Reserve price not met
Surya Rutten
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten

Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.

Estimate  € 1,400 - € 2,500
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IT
€380
IT
€300
RO
€60

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Dogon altar figure from Mali, dating to 1750–1800, carved wood and metal with a black grainy patina, 19 cm high by 4 cm wide by 3 cm deep, mounted on a circular base, provenance Lemaire Gallery, Amsterdam (1990) and Van Eyck Collection, Amsterdam.

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Description from the seller

This Dogon statuette, mounted on a circular base, has narrow shoulders and missing arms. A hand rests on a slender bust decorated with irregular reliefs. These sculptures, often linked to an individual cult, adorned Dogon family altars. The patina is black and grainy, marked by a few abrasions.

Dogon statues were generally commissioned by families, but may also be venerated by the community as a whole. However, their exact function remains unclear. In parallel with Islam, Dogon religious rites are based around four main cults: the Lébé, linked to fertility and led by the Hogon; the Wagem, dedicated to the ancestors under the authority of the patriarch; the Binou, which appeals to the spirit world and is supervised by the Binou priest; and the mask society, linked to funeral rites.

Provenance:

Lemaire Gallery, Amsterdam 1990
Van Eyck Collection, Amsterdam

Seller's Story

Experts in Ancient African Art
Translated by Google Translate

This Dogon statuette, mounted on a circular base, has narrow shoulders and missing arms. A hand rests on a slender bust decorated with irregular reliefs. These sculptures, often linked to an individual cult, adorned Dogon family altars. The patina is black and grainy, marked by a few abrasions.

Dogon statues were generally commissioned by families, but may also be venerated by the community as a whole. However, their exact function remains unclear. In parallel with Islam, Dogon religious rites are based around four main cults: the Lébé, linked to fertility and led by the Hogon; the Wagem, dedicated to the ancestors under the authority of the patriarch; the Binou, which appeals to the spirit world and is supervised by the Binou priest; and the mask society, linked to funeral rites.

Provenance:

Lemaire Gallery, Amsterdam 1990
Van Eyck Collection, Amsterdam

Seller's Story

Experts in Ancient African Art
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Number of objects
1
Title
Dogon altar figure
Country of origin
Mali
Material
Metal, Wood
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
19 cm
Width
4 cm
Depth
3 cm
Estimated period
1750-1800
SpainVerified
315
Objects sold
100%
pro

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