Small brass figurine. Figure has a large head--a sharp wedge in cross section, wide in depth, with a narrow face--and carved slits for eyes, ears and mouth. Large breasts protrude to the front, as does the narrow, pointed belly. The figure stands with knees and arms bent, hands gripping a tall pole that sits in a small bowl attached to a rectangular platform at bottom.

• Narrative

  Acquired by the donor from a blacksmith while he was in Mali making a film on the Dogon.

• History Of Use

  One interpretation of this figure is that it immortalizes an aspect of a Dogon woman's work during her lifetime. These sculptures can often be seen on a family's ancestral altar, further honouring a woman's labour and how intertwined her role is with her lineage's survival. During the funeral orations a woman is often compared to a wooden stirring tool that becomes shorter due to heavy use over time; the mortar and pestle on this figure are potentially a visual representation of the wooden stirring tool, depicting a woman's continuous labour for her community.

---

• Type of Item figure
• Culture Dogon
• Material brass metal
• Measurements height 7.4 cm, width 1.5 cm, depth 2.9 cm (overall)

---

• Previous Owner Rudi Kovanic
• Received from Rudi Kovanic

---

• Made in Mopti

---

• Collection Date during 1977
• Ownership Date before November 21, 2013
• Acquisition Date on November 21, 2013

---

• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3035/0002