Dogon Female Figure, Mali

Private collects ion, New York, acquired before 1971

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Small areas of old insect damage, now overpatinated, including in center of sternum, underneath breasts, under proper right side of chin, at back of proper left arm, and in proper right leg and abdomen near base. Some minor chipping and wear throughout. Exceptionally fine crusty black patina. Fixed to base. Base with some chipping.
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The pose of the present figure relates to the group of sculptures attributed to the Kambari region, on the Southern Bandiagra Plateau, which frequently depict the figure seated on the ground with knees bent upwards, elbows on the knees, the angle of the arms mirroring the angle of the legs; see Leloup (1994: plates 69-73).  The placement of the hands on the breasts is a gesture rarely seen in Dogon statuary, and probably refers to fecundity.  A grid like pattern of scarification is visible on the back, and the whole figure is covered with an even crust of sacrificial material.