Antique Dogon Hand Forged Anthropomorphic Iron Folk Art Oil Lamp

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Description

Dogon Hand Forged Anthropomorphic Iron Oil Lamp. Figurative iron oil lamp with carved detailing along the body. In fair condition … Read more Dogon Hand Forged Anthropomorphic Iron Oil Lamp. Figurative iron oil lamp with carved detailing along the body. In fair condition with wear consistent with age.

Dogon iron oil lamps are crafted by skilled Mali blacksmiths using traditional techniques, these lamps are not merely functional objects but also symbolic and ceremonial artifacts. Often shaped into human or animal forms, they reflect the Dogon's deep connection to their cosmology, mythology, and ancestral traditions. The lamps are used in rituals, storytelling, and daily life, casting light both literally and metaphorically on the Dogon's rich cultural heritage. Each piece is unique, showcasing the blacksmith's artistry and the community's reverence for iron, a material believed to hold spiritual power.

Size:  10.5”H x 8.25”W x 6.5”D

Provenance: G.D. Thomas Wheelock Collection, New York, NY

Thomas G.D. Wheelock was a dedicated collector of African art, with a particular focus on the artistic traditions of Burkina Faso. His mission extended beyond mere acquisition; he sought to both celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region. Wheelock placed great value on the relationships he cultivated with local artists and communities, often traveling to Africa to engage directly with them. His efforts resulted in a profound connection to the cultural practices and artistic expressions of the region.

Wheelock’s collection, amassed over more than thirty years, grew to include over 1,700 pieces, making it one of the most extensive and significant collections of its kind. Four of these works are now part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, while other pieces have been loaned to prestigious institutions, including the High Museum in Atlanta.

The importance of Wheelock’s collection was further cemented with the publication of the rare and influential book, Land of the Flying Masks: Art and Culture in Burkina Faso; The Thomas G.B. Wheelock Collection. This publication highlights hundreds of exceptional works from the Nuna, Bwa, Bobo, and Mossi peoples, as well as notable pieces from the Lobi, Gurunsi, Winiama, and Lela communities. Through his collection and its documentation, Wheelock has left an enduring legacy that continues to honor and preserve the artistic traditions of Burkina Faso. See less