Standing figure · Mali, Dogon · ID: 3032638
Richard Rüegg, Zurich, Switzerland
Description
wood, greyish brown patina, the body consisting of geometrical forms, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damge (base), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
present figure represents a “dege dal nda”, a so-called “sculpture of the terrace”, or a figure called “vageu”. Figures of the first type are taken out of storage for the funerals of rich men and dressed and displayed on the rooftop terrace of the deceased. Figures of the second type were placed aside the body of important deceased clan members in order to absorb a good deal of their “nyama”, the spiritual forces of the dead. Afterwards the spiritually strengthened figure was returned to the shrine, where now sacrifices could be made to obtain and secure health and fecundity.