Ancien vase rituel dogon africain en bois sculptural divination remise pot art

* A very old Dogon divination vessel from Mali, hand carvedwith various symbolic motifs. In Africa, the production of sculpturereceptacles is a recognisable artistic practice. The particular style of the Dogon is portayed in the quintessential features of the carving's ovoid heads, taperedextremities, pointed breasts and squared shoulders.

This two-part ritual bowl showcases male and female ancestralNommo figures, emblematic masks and a reptilian symbol. The lizard-likedepiction is ubiquitous in Dogon carvings and architecture and is said to invokeprotective spirits. The body of the bowl has geometric etchings, with the lowerpart displaying the primordial couple sitting on stools and the upper bordercarved with two Walu antelope masks and two ancestral representations.

The faces of the Walu masks are rectangular with twochannels for the eyes between the nose and topped with upright horns. Thekneeling female figure on the ‘lid' with her hands on her abdomen is linked tofertility offerings. The religious beliefs of the Dogon are enormously complex,and the various elements featured on the vessel signify significant spiritualmeanings held in Dogon society.

* The artefact is approximately44cmin heightwith a 10cm x 9.5cmbase, weighing685 gms.

* The carving has various natural wood-related wear,patination and age induced cracks. As seen from the photographs, the object isalso carved at a slight incline.

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