Sculpture of a dog ·  Mali, Dogon · ID: 3037115

Description

light brown wood, strong neck with lowered head, the proportionally massive tail forming its counterpart, min. dam., missing part (tag), old insect caused damage (hindlegs);
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