Dogon figurines - Dogon - Mali

Three well-used figurines from the Dogon-people of Mali. The bird-figure has probably been kept in the ancestoral shed or "ginna" because of its nice dark even patina, indicating a long use on an ancestoral altar. These bird-figurines are exceptionally rare to find with the Dogon. Dim.; 11 x 11 cm. The two other very worn items have probably been used by a Dogon fortune-teller or "charlatan', when consulting the gods or ancestors in cases of urgency. The priest then rubs the wooden figurines in his hand making them very smooth at the end. The lighter figure could be of Lobi (Burkina Faso) origin; since they are neighbours. Beautiful patina ons these small rubbing-woods. Height; 11 and 12 cm. Collected in the Pays Dogon in the late 1990,s and from a private Dutch collection.