Rare Double Sided Carved Cosmic African Door

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Description

This is a genuine rarity, a Dogon door from Mali carved in identical deep relief on both faces, rather than … Read more This is a genuine rarity, a Dogon door from Mali carved in identical deep relief on both faces, rather than the single decorated face typical of most antique African doors. Each face is composed in three stacked registers, every register holding a mirrored pair of elongated figures with pointed ears and a long snout, a form consistent with Yurugu, the Pale Fox, a central figure in Dogon cosmology associated with disorder, divination, and cosmic imbalance. The registers are divided by a carved basket-weave band, and the original wood hinge post remains fixed to the left edge, evidence this was a genuinely functioning door rather than a decorative panel.
At 5 inches thick, the carved door is notably substantial, part of what made carving both faces possible. Condition is strong throughout, with only a few small old mounting holes that don't touch the carved field. Given the carving on both sides, this piece is suited to freestanding display, a room divider position or a stand set away from the wall, so the reverse face and its matching Yurugu figures aren't left hidden.

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