Dogon Iron figure - Dogon - Mali






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
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Dogon Iron figure, forged iron miniature sculpture from Mali by the Dogon, dating to the late 19th century, 6 cm high, 2.5 cm wide, 2 cm deep, with stand, in good condition, original.
Description from the seller
Tradition of bronze cast figures are found among a number of different peoples of the Western central Africa including the Dogon, Bozo and the various groups of Burkina Faso. This well modeled miniature figure comes from Mali and was made by the Dogon . The sculpture is a bearded man kneeling to fire an arrow.
Bronze, Brass and iron figures are identified with Dogon myths of creation, as the blacksmith was one of the first primordial beings known as Nommo created by Ama who is one of the major Dogon deities. The identity between the Nommo and the blacksmith creates a bond and an identity that gives the blacksmith special powers which include the ability to call down rain so important in Dogon life. Figures such as this would be placed in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred shelter where the Dogon keep objects of magical importance. This sculpture reflects the artistry, power, and authority of the Dogon blacksmith, as it was he who also carved the well-known wooden sculptures used by the Dogon.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
Tradition of bronze cast figures are found among a number of different peoples of the Western central Africa including the Dogon, Bozo and the various groups of Burkina Faso. This well modeled miniature figure comes from Mali and was made by the Dogon . The sculpture is a bearded man kneeling to fire an arrow.
Bronze, Brass and iron figures are identified with Dogon myths of creation, as the blacksmith was one of the first primordial beings known as Nommo created by Ama who is one of the major Dogon deities. The identity between the Nommo and the blacksmith creates a bond and an identity that gives the blacksmith special powers which include the ability to call down rain so important in Dogon life. Figures such as this would be placed in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred shelter where the Dogon keep objects of magical importance. This sculpture reflects the artistry, power, and authority of the Dogon blacksmith, as it was he who also carved the well-known wooden sculptures used by the Dogon.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
