**Originally Listed At $1200**

West Africa, Central Mali, Bandiagara, Dogon peoples, ca. 1880s CE. A fabulous hand-carved wood female figure of abstract form depicted crouching atop an integral plinth and lifting her arms above her head. Enveloped in a deep hue of mocha, the intriguing figure presents a round belly, sizable breasts, square shoulders, attenuated arms, and a tubular, extended neck. Her stylized visage features annular eyes, a flat nose, and an incised smile. A thick arch connects her two hands, which tower over her bulbous coiffure or headdress. Size: 1.625" W x 8.125" H (4.1 cm x 20.6 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The Dogon people inhabit the rocky heights of Mali's Bandiagara Escarpment. Wooden figures, such as this example, are traditionally created for shrines and depict the spirits responsible for the fertility of both the land and the Dogon people, such as the family's real and mythical ancestors, women who have died in childbirth, and water spirits. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The most distinctive subject rendered by Dogon sculptures is that of a single figure standing with raised arms. This posture has usually been interpreted as a gesture of prayer - an effort to link earth and heavens - and it has been suggested that it may represent an appeal for rain."

Note the rich patina throughout this piece. According to Giulia Paoletti, Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Among the Dogon the patina played the role of receptacle for nyama, or life force. Without this substance and its ritual appliance, the statue would be a mere piece of wood devoid of any protective power. The patina thus becomes a crucial component in appreciating this sculpture and its ceremonial significance."

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2018; ex-Berz Gallery of African Art, San Francisco, California, USA

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#162795

Expected surface wear with light nicks, softening of detail, and abrasions in areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and light earthen deposits.