A special type of staff called "Dolaba" is held by all the male participants in the sigi ceremony, a rite held every sixty years to commemorate the myth of the origin of death among the Dogon. During the many processions and dances that take place during the three weeks that sigi is celebrated in each region, the T-shaped staffs are held in the left hand; they are also used as seats during the frequent beer-drinking parts of the ceremony. After the sigi is completed, the dolaba is saved until the death of its owner. When a man's final commemorative ceremony is celebrated, his dolaba is removed from his house and transferred to a rock shelter, just as the man's soul is ritually transported to its final resting place outside the village. This is an exceptionally fine and old example, with fine carved decoration on each side. Provenance: Serge Scohy, Antwerp 52 cm high 34 cm wide Overall good condition with wear, losses and natural cracks consistent with age and use. Beautiful piece that would look stunning on a stand or can be hung on a wall.