Figurine - woman

The Dogon are people living in the south-central part of the Republic of Mali. Popular motifs in Dogon art are male figures usually depicting real or mythical ancestors, ancestors with androgynous features, women sitting on stools, sometimes holding children in their arms or on their knees, and Nommo deities with elongated heads and legs usually contracted. Traditionally, woodcarving in the Dogon was done by blacksmiths. In recent times, however, a specialised group of lobolobane (a person who works with wood) has emerged. Lobolo is the word from which this name comes means in the language of the Dogon working in wood. The skill of working with the raw material is passed from father to son, but there are also particularly talented individuals, who themselves gain knowledge and improve their skills. The basic lobolobane tool is guro lobolo (guro means axe). It is often carved in fresh wood and only after the figure is left to dry and then cleaned, smoothed and oiled. Sculptors believe that the most important elements in a female statue are the head and breasts, and in a male statue, the arms. Statues of men are called degayne, statues of women degyana, and statues of women with children are called degyina. Ancestral figures form an important part of altars. One of their main functions is taking care of the family but appropriate offerings are required to earn it. The most common offerings are millet flour mixed with water and chickens. The discussed piece was purchased directly from the maker after it was carved from wood.

Ewa Prądzyńska