#3920 Old African Dogon Wood Box W/ Ancestors Mali 16.75" W

This Old African Dogon round hand carved wood box is a superb piece from a private collection. The ancestor sculpture on the top serves as a protective figure, depicting high relief ancestors--the Nomo figures--around the center, symbolizing health and longevity. The carvings were skillfully created by village blacksmiths who are believed to possess magical powers. With measurements of approximately 16.75" in width and 7.5" in diameter, this box is a stunning addition to any collection.
The Dogon live on a large plateau, with most of the villages situated on cliffs to the north and east. According to dogon oral tradition, the tribe settled in this area between the 14th and 15th centuries, after escaping from the Mande kingdom. Legend has it that a snake led them to the cliff at the southern end of the plateau, where they were overwhelmed and unsurped the local Tellem and Niongrom populations. The Dogon livelihood is based on agriculture concentrated in fields at the edge of the cliff, where water is scarce, but enough for occasional irrigation. Dogon social and religious organizations are closely interlinked and out of these arose four principal cults which accounts for the richness and diversity of Dogon culture. Dogon art is extremely versatile.