Miniature Votive Ladder / Soul Ladder – Dogon – Mali – Wood – 51 cm (No reserve price)
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 210
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Miniature Votive Ladder / Soul Ladder – Dogon – Mali – Wood – 51 cm, an original Dogon ritual ladder from Mali, provenance Former French private collection, sold with its wooden display stand, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Miniature Votive Ladder / Soul Ladder – Dogon – Mali – Wood – 51 cm
Origin: Mali
People: Dogon
Type: Miniature votive / ritual ladder
Material: Wood
Height: 51 cm
Period: Mid-20th century, probably 1950s–1970s
Provenance: Former French private collection
An impressive Dogon miniature votive ladder from Mali, carved from a single piece of wood and distinguished by its elegant proportions, deeply sculpted steps and beautiful dark patina.
Traditional Dogon ladders, carved from naturally forked tree trunks, were used to reach elevated granaries, rooftops and other parts of the characteristic architecture of the Bandiagara region.
Smaller versions of these ladders, however, fulfilled a different purpose. Placed on domestic and ancestral altars, they were associated with ritual practices and the symbolic relationship between the living and the spirits of their ancestors. Sometimes referred to as soul ladders, they translated a familiar everyday object into a powerful spiritual symbol.
Examples of these miniature ritual ladders are preserved in important museum collections, including the Princeton University Art Museum.
The present example is particularly appealing for its imposing height of 51 cm and the remarkable realism of its construction.
Without a reference to its actual dimensions, it could easily be mistaken for a full-sized traditional Dogon ladder.
Its tall, slender body is punctuated by a rhythmic succession of deeply carved steps, their rounded edges softened by age and handling.
The upper section terminates in the characteristic Y-shaped fork, with two asymmetrical branches whose slightly divergent proportions lend the sculpture a particularly graceful and dynamic silhouette.
The wood displays a deep, almost blackish-brown patina, with subtly polished surfaces and areas of slight crusty encrustation. These varied surface textures contribute to the object's aged appearance and visual depth.
The overall composition is beautifully balanced, combining architectural simplicity with an unexpectedly strong sculptural presence.
An evocative example of Dogon miniature ritual carving, appreciated for its generous proportions, restrained form and beautiful dark surface.
Condition
Very good overall condition for its presumed age.
Minor surface abrasions, marks, irregularities and localized encrustations consistent with age and handling.
The carved steps and characteristic forked top are well preserved.
Beautiful dark aged patina.
Please refer carefully to the photographs, which form part of the condition description.
Included
The Dogon miniature ladder, presented on its wooden display stand as photographed.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Miniature Votive Ladder / Soul Ladder – Dogon – Mali – Wood – 51 cm
Origin: Mali
People: Dogon
Type: Miniature votive / ritual ladder
Material: Wood
Height: 51 cm
Period: Mid-20th century, probably 1950s–1970s
Provenance: Former French private collection
An impressive Dogon miniature votive ladder from Mali, carved from a single piece of wood and distinguished by its elegant proportions, deeply sculpted steps and beautiful dark patina.
Traditional Dogon ladders, carved from naturally forked tree trunks, were used to reach elevated granaries, rooftops and other parts of the characteristic architecture of the Bandiagara region.
Smaller versions of these ladders, however, fulfilled a different purpose. Placed on domestic and ancestral altars, they were associated with ritual practices and the symbolic relationship between the living and the spirits of their ancestors. Sometimes referred to as soul ladders, they translated a familiar everyday object into a powerful spiritual symbol.
Examples of these miniature ritual ladders are preserved in important museum collections, including the Princeton University Art Museum.
The present example is particularly appealing for its imposing height of 51 cm and the remarkable realism of its construction.
Without a reference to its actual dimensions, it could easily be mistaken for a full-sized traditional Dogon ladder.
Its tall, slender body is punctuated by a rhythmic succession of deeply carved steps, their rounded edges softened by age and handling.
The upper section terminates in the characteristic Y-shaped fork, with two asymmetrical branches whose slightly divergent proportions lend the sculpture a particularly graceful and dynamic silhouette.
The wood displays a deep, almost blackish-brown patina, with subtly polished surfaces and areas of slight crusty encrustation. These varied surface textures contribute to the object's aged appearance and visual depth.
The overall composition is beautifully balanced, combining architectural simplicity with an unexpectedly strong sculptural presence.
An evocative example of Dogon miniature ritual carving, appreciated for its generous proportions, restrained form and beautiful dark surface.
Condition
Very good overall condition for its presumed age.
Minor surface abrasions, marks, irregularities and localized encrustations consistent with age and handling.
The carved steps and characteristic forked top are well preserved.
Beautiful dark aged patina.
Please refer carefully to the photographs, which form part of the condition description.
Included
The Dogon miniature ladder, presented on its wooden display stand as photographed.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Miniature Votive Ladder / Soul Ladder – Dogon – Mali – Wood – 51 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
