Dog sculpture
Mali, Dogon
sold
EUR 2,700
Provenance
collected in situ (1960)French Industrial Collection
Size
H: 32,5 cm
L: 57,5 cm
H: 12.8 inch
L: 22.6 inch
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, high-legged, lowered head with open snout, metal object with chain and bell-like appendages attached to the base, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion and corrosion, 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.