Early 20th Century Dogon Scepter Fragment Mali MATTER COLLECTION

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This fragment of a carved wooden scepter originates from the Dogon people of Mali. Traditionally used in rituals and by … Read more This fragment of a carved wooden scepter originates from the Dogon people of Mali. Traditionally used in rituals and by village leaders, it features a stylized human figure atop a tall, elegant staff. Richly patinated from age and handling, it embodies both cultural significance and striking visual appeal. A unique example of West African ceremonial art.Early history is informed by oral traditions, which claim that the Dogon originated from the west bank of the Niger River (10th to 13th centuries). They emigrated west to northern Burkina Faso, where local histories describe them as kibsi. Around 1490, they fled a region now known as the northern Mossi kingdom of Yatenga when it was invaded by Mossi cavalry. They ended up in the Bandiagara cliffs region, safe from the approaching horsemen.
Carbon-14 dating techniques used on excavated remains found in the cliffs suggest that there were inhabitants in the region before the arrival in the Dogon, dating back to the 10th century. Those Dogon who did not flee were incorporated into Mossi society and were known as the nyonyose, or descendants of the first inhabitants.
Provenance: Matter CollectionFrom the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much. 
Scepter is just a section of the original. Height: 24.5Width: 1.0Depth: 1.5154090 See less