{"title":"Dogon Art","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage Dogon art from Mali. The Dogon live along the Bandiagara Escarpment and are known for carved door locks, figures, headrests and cast bronze figures. Free US shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"magnificent-dogon-mali-equestrian-ancestral-figure-hand-carved-wood-25-tall","title":"Dogon Horse and Rider Figure, Carved Wood, Mali, 25 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eImmerse yourself in the profound spiritual and artistic traditions of West Africa with this authentic Dogon wooden equestrian figure, originating from the Dogon people of Mali. Standing 25 inches tall, this powerful sculpture is an example of Dogon artistry, deeply intertwined with their complex cosmology and ancestral veneration.\u003cbr\u003eThis intricately hand-carved wooden sculpture depicts a highly stylized human figure mounted atop a horse, a powerful and iconic motif in Dogon culture. Both the rider and the steed are rendered with the characteristic Dogon abstraction, featuring elongated forms and simplified yet expressive details:\u003cbr\u003e* The Rider: Often features an elongated torso and limbs, with a prominent, abstract head and stylized facial features (deep-set eyes, minimalist nose and mouth). The arms are typically positioned in a ritualistic gesture, sometimes raised, symbolizing prayer, invocation, or authority. The posture conveys a sense of quiet power and wisdom.\u003cbr\u003e* The Horse: Is depicted with strong, lean lines, often with a simplified head and legs firmly planted, conveying stability, speed, and endurance.\u003cbr\u003eThe entire piece has developed a rich, dark, and visibly aged patina, which often results from years of exposure to elements in a shrine context or repeated applications of sacrificial materials, testifying to its traditional use and profound spiritual significance.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Historical Significance of Dogon Equestrian Figures:\u003cbr\u003eEquestrian figures are among the most significant and recognizable forms in Dogon art. The horse, which arrived in the Dogon region centuries ago, quickly became a potent symbol of power, prestige, wealth, and status. A mounted figure suggests:\u003cbr\u003e* Ancestral Leaders and Founders: Commemorating powerful chiefs, legendary warriors, or mythical ancestors who led their people or founded their lineage. Their presence reinforces the legitimacy of current leaders and the continuity of tradition.\u003cbr\u003e* Spiritual Journeys and Communication: Sometimes interpreted as figures on a spiritual quest, symbolizing the journey of the soul or the connection between the earthly and celestial realms, acting as intermediaries.\u003cbr\u003e* Protection and Vigilance: Embodying strength, bravery, and readiness to defend the community from various threats, both physical and spiritual.\u003cbr\u003eThese figures often serve as vital shrine objects (hogon figures or those dedicated to specific cults like the Dyongu cult) within Dogon homes or sacred spaces, embodying spirits of ancestors or powerful protective forces. Their presence signifies the invocation of these guiding powers and reinforces community values and historical narratives.\u003cbr\u003eThis authentic Dogon equestrian figure would make a focal point for any collection of African tribal art, a powerful decorative statement, or a profound acquisition for enthusiasts of global ethnographic arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/the-rider-in-african-art-power-height-and-things-that-can-be-lost\"\u003eThe Rider in African Art: Power, Height and Things That Can Be Lost\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049570464030,"sku":"BA-0134","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7036250870_306q.jpg?v=1793398608"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-tellem-style-headrest-hand-carved-wood-mali-african-art-13","title":"Vintage Dogon Headrest Hand Carved Wood Mali African Art 13\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eItem specifics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: African Tribal Art Headrest\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Hand-Carved Wood with Natural Patina and Incised Detailing\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Mali (Dogon People, Tellem Tradition, Bandiagara Escarpment)\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 13 inches (33 cm) tall x 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide x 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) deep\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Pre-owned, vintage (estimated late 19th to early 20th century), excellent condition with authentic age patina, smooth wear from use, and intricate carvings intact. No major damage or repairs noted.\u003cbr\u003eWeight: Approximately 2.0 lbs (0.91 kg)\u003cbr\u003eStyle: Sculpted figure with arched back and caryatid support, embodying Dogon Tellem spiritual and ancestral symbolism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003cbr\u003eJourney into the ancient spiritual world of the Dogon people from Mali's Bandiagara Escarpment with this vintage hand-carved wooden Tellem headrest, a testament to their enduring cultural legacy. Measuring 13 inches (33 cm) tall, 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, and 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) deep, this headrest features a sculpted figure with an arched back and raised arms, supporting a smooth, contoured rest for the head—crafted in the Tellem tradition predating the Dogon. The figure’s stylized face, marked by subtle geometric incisions and a weathered patina from years of use, reflects its role in preserving hairstyles while linking the sleeper to ancestral spirits. The dark, polished surface, honed by time, whispers of its origins among the cliff-dwelling Tellem, whose artifacts were later adopted by the Dogon.\u003cbr\u003eFor centuries, the Tellem—early inhabitants of the escarpment since at least the 11th century—crafted these headrests as both functional objects and sacred relics, believed to protect against evil spirits and facilitate communication with ancestors during sleep. Passed down and revered by the Dogon after the Tellem’s decline, these pieces embody a blend of pre-Islamic animist beliefs and resilience against environmental and cultural shifts. Their minimalist yet powerful forms have earned a place in collections like the Musée du Quai Branly, inspiring modern art with their abstract elegance. The caryatid design transforms this headrest into a symbol of spiritual continuity and strength.\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for shelf display or as a centerpiece in an ethnographic or African art collection, this Dogon Tellem headrest connects collectors to the mystical heritage of Mali’s cliff dwellers. Sourced from a smoke-free, pet-free environment. While not third-party authenticated, its craftsmanship, carvings, and patina align with documented Tellem examples, making it a fitting piece for enthusiasts and scholars alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049574199582,"sku":"BA-0186","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/893192931_1160184716342958_2633237623635272483_n.jpg?v=1794173580"},{"product_id":"vintage-carved-wood-dogon-female-figure-standing-african-art-statue-10","title":"Dogon Standing Female Figure, Carved Wood, Mali, 10 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eA mid-century hand-carved wooden female figure crafted in the iconic sculptural tradition of the Dogon people. Defined by a T-shaped arrow nose that merges seamlessly into the brow ridge, an abstracted helmet crest, and hands resting grounded against the abdomen, this statue stands in a semi-squat posture atop a circular pedestal. Its dry, unpolished wood grain and bold architectural lines create a powerful statement piece suited for display on a mantel, shelf, or executive desk within Wabi-Sabi, Organic Modern, Japandi, or Primitive Art settings.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Artistic Background\u003cbr\u003eIn Dogon artistic tradition, carved wooden figures represent ancestors or spirit guardians (Nommo) that serve as spiritual conduits between the earthly community and divine forces. The figure embodies quintessential Dogon sculptural principles: strict verticality, geometric reduction, and a continuous T-shaped line uniting the nose and forehead—a stylized signature that famously inspired early 20th-century Western cubist masters. The flexed knees (semi-squat) suggest kinetic energy and readiness, while the hands resting directly over the belly symbolize fertility, lineage protection, and ancestral continuity.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003e• Carved from a single block of dense, light-toned native hardwood left in an untreated, dry matte state.\u003cbr\u003e• Features prominent, authentic age-related vertical drying splits running along the center of the torso through the abdominal line down to the base, as well as along the back of the neck and head.\u003cbr\u003e• Maintains solid structural integrity, standing upright and balanced on its original carved pedestal base.\u003cbr\u003e• Displays natural surface weathering, light handling patina, and wood grain oxidation consistent with organic vintage age.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003cbr\u003e• Height: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003e• Width: 3 inches\u003cbr\u003e• Depth: 3 inches\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049618862366,"sku":"BA-0799","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.8368097079_3e15.jpg?v=1790371953"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-wooden-carving-african-ancestral-pair-nommo-statues-21","title":"Vintage Dogon Wooden Carving African Ancestral Pair Nommo Statues 21\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eA vintage pair of hand-carved wooden ancestral figures rendered in the distinctive sculptural aesthetic of the Dogon people. Standing 21 inches tall, this male and female pair is sculpted in the iconic Nommo gesture, depicted with arms outstretched skyward with open palms. Featuring elongated torsos, delicate facial features, and low-relief geometric body scarification, these statues serve as powerful, architectural accents for Wabi-Sabi, Modern Primitive, Minimalist, or Eclectic Global interior spaces.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Artistic Background\u003cbr\u003eIn Dogon cosmology, figures carved with raised arms represent primordial spirits or ancestral guardians known as Nommo. The upward gesture symbolizes a solemn prayer connecting earth and sky, historically carved to invoke rain, spiritual protection, and divine blessings from the supreme creator deity, Amma. The central zig-zag carving along the abdomen signifies the flow of life force and water. Together, the complementary male and female figures embody balance, dual lineage, and cosmic harmony essential to West African village life and shrine traditions.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003e• Carved from dense hardwood, each figure stands securely on an integrated rectangular block base.\u003cbr\u003e• Surface exhibits a dry, weathered matte brown patina with subtle grey tones and authentic grain weathering.\u003cbr\u003e• Geometric chest reliefs, abdominal zig-zag carvings, and facial details remain sharp and clearly defined.\u003cbr\u003e• Both figures retain structural integrity with no major splits, cracks, or modern restorations.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003cbr\u003e• Height: 21 inches\u003cbr\u003e• Width: 3.2 inches\u003cbr\u003e• Depth: 2.0 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049622499614,"sku":"BA-0833","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/877625878_28924014410588473_8493443843259254475_n.jpg?v=1793532109"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-headrest-neck-support-bargu-geometric-lattice-design-10-5","title":"Dogon Bargu Headrest, Geometric Lattice Design, 10.5 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eArtifact Overview \u0026amp; Cultural Significance: Geometry of Protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an authentic, beautifully worn Vintage Headrest (known as Bargu) from the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa. This piece embodies the practical and spiritual significance of the headrest, which is a highly personal object deeply connected to the owner's identity and spiritual well-being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual Safeguard: Like all Dogon headrests, this piece was used to elevate the head during sleep. This practice was essential not only for preserving complex hairstyles but, more importantly, for protecting the spiritual essence (kikinu) or soul of the individual from spiritual threats while they slept and dreamt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogon Geometric Abstraction: The design of this headrest is a powerful example of the Dogon tradition of abstract, geometric carving. The crisscrossed lattice supports, which form a repeating diamond pattern, are angular and rigid, perfectly fitting the austere and powerful visual language of the Dogon people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Seat of Identity: Headrests were often buried with their owners and accumulated the individual's spiritual history over a lifetime of use. The strong signs of wear and the deep patina confirm that this was a cherished, actively used ritual or personal item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed Construction and Features\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small, robust headrest is carved from a single piece of dense, light hardwood, showcasing a functional and distinctive openwork design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForm and Stability: The headrest features a smoothly carved, concave top surface and a wide, oval base, providing excellent stability despite its open design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Supports: The structure is supported by a solid central column decorated with simple, repeated zigzag carvings or chevrons. This column is flanked by openwork supports carved into a strong \"X\" or lattice pattern—a complex structural element that adds elegance and lightness to the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved Details: The top surface features fine incised lines running down the center and around the edges, typical of Dogon decorative practice on utilitarian items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic Patina and Wear: The wood exhibits a dry, medium-brown patina with significant smoothing and darkening, especially along the edges of the base and the concave top surface. This wear, typical of objects used in the arid West African climate, is the mark of authentic age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon People, Mali, West Africa. Type: Vintage\/Antique Headrest \/ Neck Support (Bargu). Material: Hand-Carved Hardwood. Approx. Dimensions: Length 10.5 Inches, Width 6.5 Inches, Height 3.5 Inches. Condition: Excellent Vintage\/Antique Condition. Displays heavy, authentic wear, smoothing, and a dry, beautiful patina. The intricate openwork supports are solid and intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049633575198,"sku":"BA-1004","price":190.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7371376218_p43f.jpg?v=1793407130"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-nommo-figure-hand-carved-wood-sculpture-mali-african-art-31","title":"Dogon Nommo Figure, Carved Wood, Mali, 31 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful antique Dogon figure, a genuine and significant piece of West African tribal art. Known as a nommo figure, this hand-carved sculpture is a testament to the rich spiritual and artistic traditions of the Dogon people of Mali. This is not a modern reproduction but an authentic artifact, with a beautiful, deeply weathered patina and a profound presence that speaks to its age and ritual use. Please note that this figure shows evidence of past repairs, which are consistent with its age and history of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon people\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Mali, West Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Hand-carved hardwood with a natural, aged patina and remnants of ritual sacrifice (e.g., blood, millet porridge, or palm oil). Evidence of old repairs present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Approximately 31 inches (78.7 cm) tall, 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide, and 10 inches (25.4 cm) deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Good antique condition. Displays a well-developed, weathered patina. The surface shows natural cracks and wear consistent with a genuine ritual object of significant age. There are visible signs of past repairs, which have been done in a traditional manner and do not detract significantly from the figure's overall aesthetic or historical value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCultural and Historical Significance:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dogon people, renowned for their complex cosmology and unique art forms, deeply weave their spiritual beliefs into their creations. The nommo are primordial spirits, often depicted as androgynous or hermaphroditic beings, who are central to Dogon mythology. They are believed to be the ancestors of humanity and are associated with water, creativity, and the preservation of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFigures like this are used in a variety of rituals, including ancestor veneration, fertility rites, and agricultural ceremonies. The nommo's serene, abstract form, with its large, stylized head, elongated neck, and prominent features, is meant to embody spiritual purity and power. The detailed carvings on the body, including geometric patterns on the head, torso, and legs, often represent scarification marks, a form of spiritual and aesthetic adornment. The metal rings in the ears suggest a status of high importance. The figure's posture, with hands resting on the stomach, is a symbol of humility and internal contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis antique nommo figure, even with its signs of repair, offers a tangible connection to a vibrant spiritual tradition and a key example of African artistry that has influenced artists worldwide. Its powerful and timeless form will make it a compelling centerpiece in any collection of African tribal art, world art, or ethnographic artifacts. The repairs themselves can be seen as part of the figure's history, reflecting its journey and continued significance within its original cultural context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a substantial piece for collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049636294942,"sku":"BA-1049","price":800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/864245405_1108501598729210_3601859487532045462_n.jpg?v=1793531873"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-door-lock-ta-koro-crocodile-antelope-carved-wood-mali-african-21","title":"Dogon Door Lock (Ta Koro), Crocodile and Antelope, Mali, 21 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Powerful and Abstract Example of Spiritual and Physical Protection\u003cbr\u003eThis is an authentic VINTAGE Dogon door lock from the Bandiagara Escarpment of Mali – one of the most iconic and spiritually charged objects in all of West African art. Known as ta koro (the vertical lock body) and ta dagu (the horizontal sliding bolt), these ingenious hardwood mechanisms were far more than security devices: they were sacred guardians that protected homes, granaries, and shrines from both thieves and malevolent spirits.\u003cbr\u003eThis lock is a good example of classic Dogon sculptural tradition, noted for its bold, highly abstract zoomorphic form and profound symbolic depth.\u003cbr\u003eCULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE\u003cbr\u003eDogon door locks were carved by the sacred blacksmith-sculptor caste (hogon or numu) and placed on the most important buildings in the village.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual Guardian: The vertical element is interpreted as a protective ancestor or powerful bush animal whose presence wards off sorcery and evil.\u003cbr\u003eZoomorphic Abstraction: This lock strongly evokes a crocodile (symbol of primordial water and protection) or antelope (vigilance and the bush). The dramatic upward-curving “horns” or spikes are a classic Dogon motif representing strength, alertness, and the primordial couple.\u003cbr\u003eCosmic Symbolism: The union of the vertical (female) and horizontal (male) elements mirrors the Dogon myth of creation and fertility – the lock becomes a miniature cosmogram ensuring harmony and continuity.\u003cbr\u003eNyama Power: The dense incised geometric patterns amplify the object’s nyama (life force), making it a true power object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eItem Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon People, Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali\u003cbr\u003eType: Traditional Door Lock (Ta Koro \u0026amp; Ta Dagu)\u003cbr\u003eForm: Highly abstract zoomorphic crocodile\/antelope with dramatic upward spikes, mounted on a modern metal display base\u003cbr\u003eMedium: Hand-carved dense hardwood with intricate incised decoration and deep, mellow old patina\u003cbr\u003eDimensions (as displayed): Height 21\" (max) × Width 15\" (max across bolt) × Depth 2\"\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Excellent vintage field-used condition. Rich, dry patina with heavy wear from generations of use; stable old cracks; the two pieces remain functional and tightly interlocked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine Dogon piece that embodies cosmic protection and ancestral wisdom. Additional photos and video of the mechanism available on request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/dogon-art-living-on-the-edge-of-the-world\"\u003eDogon Art: Living on the Edge of the World\u003c\/a\u003e on the Belle Afrik Arts Journal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049640751390,"sku":"BA-1112","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/880690620_1433855732258945_2662158601207131926_n.jpg?v=1793503911"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-bronze-figures-pair-standing-prostrate-poses-mali-african-art","title":"Dogon Bronze Figure Pair, Standing and Prostrate, Mali","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing offers a fascinating pair of antique-style Dogon bronze figures from the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa. The Dogon are renowned for their highly stylized and spiritual art, with their small bronze castings being significant examples of their deep traditional beliefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese figures were individually cast, likely through the intricate lost-wax technique (cire perdue), and capture dramatic, ceremonial postures. They are expertly mounted on custom dark wood bases for stable display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Features of this Paired Set:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistinctive Poses: The pair presents two contrasting yet complementary ritual postures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanding Figure: A slender figure standing upright, often representing an ancestor (nommo) or a communal elder, depicted with stylized arms and an elongated form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProstrate\/Kneeling Figure: A figure shown in a kneeling or prostrate position, sometimes with an exaggerated arch, a posture associated with supplication, reverence, or an appeal to the spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogon tradition: Both pieces share the signature Dogon aesthetic—abstract forms, elongated bodies, and distinctive facial features—which reflect their rich cosmology and mythology concerning the creation of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Patina: The figures are made of bronze or a brass alloy and display a strong, mottled patina with traces of greenish oxidation, which clearly denotes their age and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanding approximately 3.5 inches tall, these figures are distinctive examples of small-scale African sculpture. They make a pairing for any collector interested in African bronzes, tribal art, or ethnographic artifacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegion: Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali, West Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Cast Bronze\/Brass Alloy, Wood Base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuantity: 2 Figures (Sold as a Pair)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate Dimensions (Each Figure on Base): Approximately 3.5 inches (Height) x 1.3 inches (Width) x 1 inch (Depth)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent antique\/vintage condition. The bronzes are stable, securely mounted, and possess a rich, aged patina. Please examine all photos closely, as they are part of the description and show the exact items you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049644126494,"sku":"BA-1159","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7296347599_31rl.jpg?v=1790372360"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-bronze-figures-pair-seated-male-female-mali-african-art","title":"Vintage Dogon Bronze Figures Pair Seated Male Female Mali African Art","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing features a compelling pair of antique-style Dogon bronze figures from the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa. The Dogon are renowned for their profound cosmology and rich artistic tradition, with their small bronze figures being valued for their detail and ritual significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese figures are individually cast, likely using the traditional lost-wax technique (cire perdue), and are permanently mounted on custom dark wood bases for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Features of the Figures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRitual Poses: One figure is depicted in a seated posture with arms resting on its knees, a common pose associated with contemplation or ancestral reverence. The second figure is shown with a large bowl resting on its lap, a pose that often symbolizes offering, sacrifice, or the importance of community resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStylization: Both figures feature the characteristic Dogon aesthetic: elongated torsos, stylized heads with sharp features, and an overall abstract, powerful simplicity. Their forms speak to the ancient spiritual beliefs of the Dogon, often representing ancestral spirits (nommo) or community elders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Patina: The figures are made of bronze or a bronze\/brass alloy and possess an aged, natural patina with traces of greenish oxidation, testifying to their age and material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two figures make an excellent complementary pair, representing different facets of Dogon ritual life. They are powerful ethnographic objects perfect for collectors of African bronzes, tribal art, and small-scale sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegion: Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali, West Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Cast Bronze\/Brass Alloy, Wood Base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuantity: 2 Figures (Sold as a Pair)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate Dimensions (Each Figure on Base): 3 inches (Height) x 1.3 inches (Width) x 1 inch (Depth)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent antique\/vintage condition. The figures are stable, with a beautiful aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049644159262,"sku":"BA-1160","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/886725696_4145899085719092_2248465414184895155_n.jpg?v=1793590113"},{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-lobi-african-bronze-tortoise-vessel-two-figures-lost-wax-9-5","title":"Dogon Lobi Bronze Tortoise Vessel with Two Figures, 9.5 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vintage West African cast bronze vessel in the form of a tortoise, attributed to the Dogon or Lobi peoples. The domed shell rises to a wide, open neck decorated with bands of raised zigzag and line work, and each side of the shell carries a raised spiral medallion inside a wavy border. A twisted rope border runs around the edge of the shell, with the animal's head and round eyes at one end and limbs along the sides. A seated figure is perched at each end: one with a smooth domed head, holding a short rod, and the other with a ridged crest hairstyle. The vessel stands on four short hollow feet. The dark brown surface with green deposits in the recesses brings out the fine wax-thread detail. It makes a strong display piece for a console, shelf or coffee table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLost-wax casting with fine applied wax-thread decoration is a long-standing metalworking tradition in parts of West Africa, including the regions of Mali and Burkina Faso. This vessel was acquired in West Africa by Jerald Barnes, a former US diplomat who lived in the region for about three decades. Pieces of this kind were typically not marked by their makers, and this vessel has no maker's mark. It is heavy for its size, with thick cast walls and solid figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed vintage condition. The surface has a dark brown patina with green verdigris in the recesses, inside the neck and around the feet, along with handling wear on the raised areas and rim. There is a raised crescent-shaped mark on the plain part of the shell, and the casting shows natural surface irregularities. No breaks or repairs are visible in the photos. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel is about 5.5 inches high, 9.5 inches long including the figures and 5.5 inches deep. The neck opening is about 5.5 inches across at the rim. It is heavy for its size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60312002986270,"sku":"BA-1413","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/894824188_1335813301906989_4583646981844832909_n.jpg?v=1794200977"}],"url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/collections\/dogon-art.oembed","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}