Accession Number1971/2.24
TitleFemale Ancestor Figure
Artist(s)DogonArtist NationalityDogon (culture or style)Object Creation Date1900-1971Medium & Supportcarved wood, patination, blood, millet, egg shellDimensions 25 15/16 in x 4 3/16 in x 4 1/16 in (65.8 cm x 10.7 cm x 10.4 cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of ArtLabel copyLittle is known about this particular object. It may have been a shrine figure of a family ancestor or a representation of the mother of the Dogon people. Unlike masks, Dogon statuary is kept on family altars or in a special shrine and never paraded publicly. It was traditionally made by the village blacksmith who claimed direct descent from the legendary primordial blacksmith. In ancient times, this mythic figure brought animals, grain, and technology to earth.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypefigureCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
ancestor figures
ancestors
females
figurines
standing
statues
women (female humans)