Antique Dogon Carved Wood Window, Early 1900s

Details

Description

A piece of extraordinary symbolic intensity and material strength, capable of transforming a wall into a gateway to Mali's ancestral … Read more A piece of extraordinary symbolic intensity and material strength, capable of transforming a wall into a gateway to Mali's ancestral culture. This ancient Dogon window, dating back to the early 20th century, is not only an object of exquisite ethnic decoration, but a true sculpture steeped in history, perfect for collectors of tribal art or to enhance studies and living areas with a refined and cultured taste.

History and Use: Among the Dogon people (Mali), these shutters were used to seal granaries dug into the rock or built of mud. They not only served a practical purpose of protecting food supplies, but also a profound spiritual purpose: the carvings depict protective ancestors (Nommo) and cosmogonic symbols intended to bless the harvest and ensure the survival of the community.

Subject and Style: The entire surface is masterfully carved in high and low relief with a dense array of stylized figures. Rows of warrior ancestors, ritual masks, and geometric symbols create a hypnotic and powerful visual narrative. The edge is decorated with a zigzag pattern that evokes the path of water and spirits.

Material and Finish: The piece is carved from a single, solid block of extremely hard tropical wood. The finish features a dark, deep, and "worn" patina, the result of decades of exposure to the elements and tribal rituals. The back clearly shows signs of hand-carving, confirming the piece's authenticity.

Technical Details and Condition:

· Type: Dogon Granary Door / Ceremonial Window.

· Origin: Mali, West Africa.

· Materials: Hand-carved solid wood.

· Period: Antique (early 1900s).

· Dimensions: Width 48 cm. Depth 3 cm. Height 60.5 cm.

· Condition: Excellent condition for a piece from this period. The wood is solid and heavy, with natural irregularities and small cracks that attest to its antiquity and ceremonial use. It comes with hooks on the back so it can be hung immediately as a wall art piece.

Please note that any white areas in the photo are due to reflections from artificial lighting, used to better illuminate the item, which may cause slight color variations in the photograph.

The item is original and has been carefully photographed, capturing every detail, highlighting its quality, strengths, and any flaws.

It is sold "as is," guaranteeing the accuracy of the and photographs. See less