West Africa, Mali, Dogon peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An attractive set of conjoined wooden ancestral figures known as nommo that stand atop a shared, integral plinth, all enveloped in espresso-hued pigment with a lovely craquelure. Each figure bends their legs at the knees and holds both arms together atop their projecting navels, with the male figure exhibiting a prominent chest, and the female with protruding, perky breasts. Nearly identical, their heads resemble helmets, each presenting a narrow form with a high central crest, a long, downward protrusion at the front, perhaps a beard or nose, and a petite tail hanging from the back. Size: 4.4" W x 14" H (11.2 cm x 35.6 cm)

In Dogon cosmology, nommo are 8 water gods that were he first primordial ancestors created in heaven by the creator god Amma. The nommo descended to earth and founded the 8 Dogon lineages, teaching their descendants weaving, smithing, and agriculture.

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#172883

Stable fissures to base and head of male. Expected surface wear with some nicks and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remains and lovely craquelure to pigment.