Dogon ‘Pole’ Figure
This figure was carved so it didn’t have to be in contact with the human hand.
Tribe: Dogon
Origin: Aramongongo, Sangha sub-district, Mali
Approx Age:
Materials: Wood
Dimensions cm: 41 tall
Ref. Number: 1410
£1300.00
Description:
A rare Dogon pole figure, this unusual figure is placed on a pole/stick and then put on the shoulders of 2 men for a walk in the village, this ceremony is held every three years. This figure was not allowed to have contact directly by the human hand. Completely covered in libations/offerings which have distorted facial features and a hole at the base where a pole/stick would be inserted to carry this out of the Hogon’s safe place for its offerings too.
Provenance: Collected in situ from Aramongongo Sangha sub-district in 1970. Ex Lampevelden collection, Netherlands.
History
Over time, the Dogon moved north along the escarpment, arriving in the Sangha / Sanga region in the 15th century. Other oral histories place the origin of the Dogon to the west beyond the river
Dogon art is primarily sculpture. Dogon art revolves around religious values, ideals, and freedoms (Laude, 19). Dogon sculptures are not made to be seen publicly, and are commonly hidden from the public eye within the houses of families, sanctuaries, or kept with the Hogon (Laude, 20). The importance of secrecy is due to the symbolic meaning behind the pieces and the process by which they are made.
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