Dogon or Tellem votive leader - Figure - Dogon - Mali
03
days
13
hours
41
minutes
34
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 141835 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Dogon or Tellem votive leader, forged iron, Mali; Dogon culture; 20 cm high; estimated period 1500–1550; in acceptable, heavily used condition with possibly missing minor parts; from De Backer Collection, Belgium.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Bronze, brass, and iron figures hold significant meaning in Dogon myths of creation, closely associated with the role of the blacksmith. In Dogon cosmology, the blacksmith is recognized as one of the primal beings called Nommo, crafted by Ama, a major Dogon deity. The parallelism between Nommo and the blacksmith establishes a profound connection, endowing the blacksmith with unique abilities, including the power to invoke rain—a crucial element in Dogon life. These figures find a revered place in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred haven where the Dogon preserve objects of magical significance. This sculpture not only showcases the artistic skill but also embodies the influence and authority vested in the Dogon blacksmith, who is also renowned for crafting the well-known wooden sculptures integral to Dogon culture.
Provenance:
De Backer Collection, Belgium
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateBronze, brass, and iron figures hold significant meaning in Dogon myths of creation, closely associated with the role of the blacksmith. In Dogon cosmology, the blacksmith is recognized as one of the primal beings called Nommo, crafted by Ama, a major Dogon deity. The parallelism between Nommo and the blacksmith establishes a profound connection, endowing the blacksmith with unique abilities, including the power to invoke rain—a crucial element in Dogon life. These figures find a revered place in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred haven where the Dogon preserve objects of magical significance. This sculpture not only showcases the artistic skill but also embodies the influence and authority vested in the Dogon blacksmith, who is also renowned for crafting the well-known wooden sculptures integral to Dogon culture.
Provenance:
De Backer Collection, Belgium
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Iron type
Cast iron
Number of objects
1
Title
Dogon or Tellem votive leader
Country of origin
Mali
Material
Iron
Ethnic group/culture
Dogon
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
20 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Estimated period
1500-1550
Sold by
