Figure with raised arm ·  Mali, Dogon · ID: 3053282

Description

wood, thick encrusted patina, handwritten collection number “R02225”, base

The gesture of raising the arm served as a means of communication between heaven and earth. It was interpreted in particular as an earnest plea for rain, which was a basic necessity in this arid region. The rain offerings were made at special altars known as “andugo”, which were dedicated to the spirit being “nommo”, believed to be present in all bodies of water as well as in the rain.

After the offering had been made, a fire was lit. According to Tellem belief, its thick clouds of smoke were intended to attract the dark rain clouds. The priest then stretched an iron hook, called a “gobo”, upwards above his head, before pulling it downwards. Figuratively speaking, this was meant to hook into the rain-bearing clouds, as it were, to draw them closer.