Carved wooden shrine altar featuring six ancestor figures. While the purpose for which it was created is not entirely clear, the rich patina of this Dogon figural group and the flatted top suggests a ritual function involving repeated applications of offerings and libations. Composed of a set of 6 female figures arrayed around a central core and crowned by a table top like form, this work may have once adorned a shrine or altar created for communication with the ancestors of a Dogon lineage group or other supernatural powers. The altar was carved from a very heavy dense wood and has a well handled and worn oily patina. The altar has old inventory numbers painted on the side. Measures 11.5 x 7.5 inches ( 12.5 inches on professional custom display stand.) Provenance: Ex. Merton Simpson, NY. Simpson Inventory #: 9606.

fair, weathered, oily , well handled surface patina, extremely heavy wood.