Description:

West Africa, Mali, Dogon culture, ca. early to mid-19th century CE. An elongated wooden figure made by Dogon people in the Tellem style, the arms stretched upwards over a highly stylized head and woman's body. The surface is heavily encrusted with mineral deposits that may be the remains of offerings smeared into the surface, such as animal blood and millet beer. The Tellem culture lived in what is now Mali, between the 11th and 15th centuries. The early Dogon people migrating to the region encountered the Tellem culture in the later centuries, but it is unclear whether it was harmonious, since the Tellem eventually vanished. Remnants of the Tellem civilization were adopted by the Dogon, and the Dogon derived name, "Tellem," means "we found them." The upraised arms of this figure is a pose used in Tellem art to represent ancestors, and adopted by the Dogon for a similar purpose. Size: 4" L x 4" W x 28.25" H (10.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 71.8 cm); 30.6" H (77.7 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been tested using radiocarbon dating (C-14) analysis and has been found to be of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection

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#186857

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures across surface as shown, old loss to projecting areas above breasts. Small area of encrusted modern paint residue / stain on hip area. Heavy patina throughout.

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September 19, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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