Dogon Divination Implement, Mali

Harrie Heinemans, Eindhoven
Private American collects ion, acquired in the 1960s
Michael Sorafine, Los Angeles, acquired from the above

Afrika Museum Berg-en-Dal (ed.), The Pleasure of collects ing African Art: The Harrie Heinemans collects ion, Eindhoven, 1986, p. 23, fig. 26

Very good condition for an object of this age and rare type. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, chips and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. Old shallow chip to proper left bottom back corner or largest triangular element, patinated over. Small area of old fill on the chin. Some minor age cracks. Fine dark brown aged varied patina with crusty remains of ritually-applied material. Two modern metal pegs glued into bottom for mounting.
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Several related Dogon sculptures are known, including one in the Seattle Art Museum (inv. no. "67.53"), and another offered at Replica Shoes 's Paris, December 5, 2003, lot 112. All share in common small pieces of metal which preclude the presence of a blade where it would be expected, and indeed seem too thin and broad to be handles. These metal pieces were seemingly for the addition of an unknown attachment though none with any such attachment is known. Although the specific use of this enigmatic object remains a mystery, the layered patina attests to its function within sacred ceremonies, as the refined quality of the sculpture does to its ritual importance.