GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a vintage cast bronze Seated Male Ancestor Figure, from the Dogon people, Mali, West Africa. The Dogon are an ethnic group located mainly in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza in Mali, West Africa. The precise origin of the Dogon, like those of many other ancient cultures, is undetermined. They have lived in Mali since the 15th century, wedged between two seemingly infinite bodies, the Sahara below and the universe above. Their sculpture, especially the figurative iron, bronze, and brass casting by blacksmiths, constitutes one of the most remarkable artistic traditions of West Africa, reaching back to the period of the great Empire of Mali as early as the 12th century, with a rich variety of sculptural styles and subject matter. In many West African traditional communities, blacksmiths enjoyed a privileged position, as they master the elements earth, air and fire. It is the blacksmith who makes “magic” figures, casts protective amulets, and instills power and meaning into objects they are commissioned to create. While working, they go into a sort of spell and commiserate with their ancestors. In a sense, they summon their muse. The art of the Dogon deals with the complex ensemble of myth and its regulation of the life of the individual. This particular bronze depicts a male ancestor figure, holding an unidentified object. Small statues like this are created for home altars. It measures 1.5 inches in width by 2.25 inches in depth by 4.0 inches in height (3.81 cm by 5.71 cm by 10.1 cm). The sculpture is in good condition and shows wear consistent with a dating to the early 20th century, including oxidization, which is a normal part of the aging process. Guaranteed authentic, it would make a superb collector’s piece for anyone interested in Dogon culture or African art in general.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.