Animal · Mali, Dogon · ID: 3043638
not available anymore
Provenance
Sotheby’s, London, 30 November 1989, lot 131Size
H: 16 cm
H: 48 cm
H: 6.3 inch
H: 18.9 inch
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, presumably depicting a dog, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, base.
When the migrating Dogon arrived at the edge of the Bandiagara Cliff, they came into conflict with the Tellem, who jealously concealed the location of wells and water holes. Exhausted by their journey and parched by the draught, the Dogon saw one of their dogs come running with wet paws. They occupied the watering place discovered by the animal and, thus refreshed, were able to dislodge the Tellem from the Cliff. Depictions of dogs commemorate this important event in dogon history.
Comparing literature
Laude, Jean, African Art of the Dogon, New York 1973, ill. 54
Publications
AHDRC: 0082896