Description:

Dogon people, Mali, West Africa, pre-19th/20th Century. Iron and copper alloy with well-patinated, aged surface. 3.50"H.

Provenance: Dr. and Mrs. Richard Pollack, OH and FL

Among the Dogon, male and femaleness coming together is a symbol of cosmic and social harmony. It is this strong Dogon belief in the mythical complement of the sexes - symbolizing the first, primordial couple - which has produced the ubiquitous theme of man and woman seated side-by-side in marriage on a bench. The material this small but monumental casting is made from further compliments the theme. Copper has been held in the highest value throughout Sub-Saharan Africa for centuries because its' color (red) is equated with blood, the symbol of life, vitality, and fertility. Iron is said to be born in the furnace out of a marriage of heaven (fire) and earth (raw ore). A wonderfully composed example showing much handling and age.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Very fine condition with some slight loss to the feet of each figure; custom steel mount.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 13, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000