Tribal Art

African Statuette Dogon collected in the mid-20th century by Monsieur Arnaud, accompanying Alain Bilot, renowned collector of Dogon art during study trips to Mali.

This sculpture depicts a woman in a raised arms posture. A grainy patina is evidence of the libations administered. One hand is missing. Desiccation cracks.
Carved for the most part on commission by a family and in this case placed on the family altar Tire Kabou, the Dogon tribal statues can also be the object of worship by the entire community when they commemorate, for example, the founding of the village. These statues, sometimes embodying the nyama of the deceased, are placed on ancestor altars and participate in various rituals including those of the seed and harvest periods. Their functions, however, remain little known. In parallel with Islam, Dogon religious rites are organized around four main cults: the Lébé , relating to fertility, under the spiritual authority of the Hogon ,the Wagem , ancestor worship under the authority of the patriarch, the Binou invoking the world of spirits and led by the priest of the Binou, and the society of the masks concerning funerals. In parallel with Islam, Dogon religious rites are organized around four main cults: the Lebe, relating to fertility, the Wagem, ancestor worship under the authority of the patriarch, the Binou invoking the spirit world, and the society of masks Awa concerning funerals. The " dama " is a ceremony dedicated to restoring the order of things following a bereavement.