West Africa, Central Mali, Dogon peoples, ca. 1950s CE. An impressive carved-wood figure shown crouching on an integral plinth. Coated in brown clay, the stylized figure presents with a pointed chest, a projecting navel, and attenuated arms that fall from square shoulders, lying parallel to the figure's slender body, then bending at their elbows to rest across the figure's stomach. The figure's fascinating visage sits atop an extended, tubular neck, featuring circular eyes, a downward-pointed nose, and full lips. Her head tapers towards it top where it is capped by a circular headdress. Size: 2.375" W x 13.75" H (6 cm x 34.9 cm); 14.375" H (36.5 cm) on included custom stand.The Dogon people inhabit the rocky heights of Mali's Bandiagara Escarpment. Wooden figures, such as this example, are traditionally created for shrines and depict the spirits responsible for the fertility of both the land and the Dogon people, such as the family's real and mythical ancestors, women who have died in childbirth, and water spirits.Note the rich patina throughout this piece. According to Giulia Paoletti, Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Among the Dogon the patina played the role of receptacle for nyama, or life force. Without this substance and its ritual appliance, the statue would be a mere piece of wood devoid of any protective power. The patina thus becomes a crucial component in appreciating this sculpture and its ceremonial significance." Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2008; ex-Casanova Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA in 2008 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #162792