Seated Figure

Seated Figure
West Africa, Mali, Dogon tribe
20th century
Wood
(74.50)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Werner Muensterberger

Dogon sculpture usually reflects the myths of tribal origin. This complex Dogon figure can be identified initially with the Primordial Couple (progenitors of the Dogon People), here represented by the female alone. The stool is a symbol of political power and divine right. The direct ancestors of man were the four pairs of nommo, arising from the union of the Primordial Couple. The four figures supporting the stool are nommo. The two disks of the stool are symbols of the earth and sky. The stool itself represents the world.

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