This is a very rare and important ancient carved wooden idol , likely from the Djenneke peoples of Mali, West Africa or possibly early Dogon peoples. The sculpture of a male was carved from an extremely hard wood with undeniable thick oily patina with oozing secretions on some areas, an original and genuine patina. Traditionally the Dogon kept their sacred sculptures in caves carved into the cliffs, thereby preserving them for hundreds of years. Radiocarbon dating of wood sculptures from this region shows that a small number of the very earliest examples that survive in fact pre-date the Dogon. Stylistic evidence supports the assumption that these extremely rare works belong to a lost culture which heavily influenced Dogon style, and was likely associated with the ancient empires of the Djennenke or Soninke peoples. It is entirely possible that this figure dates back to the earliest known Dogon traditional carvings. At the latest this is a pre 19th century example. The Statue measures 14.5 inches tall with a 5 lb shipping weight.

Well handled and worn, oily patina secretions in areas, eroded base.