Antique Early 20th Century African Mali Dogon Ceremonial Tribal Carved Container Lidded Vessel

Description

Monumental antique carved wooden Dogon ceremonial vessel consisting of an urn shaped body supported on a four legged base, carved … more Monumental antique carved wooden Dogon ceremonial vessel consisting of an urn shaped body supported on a four legged base, carved with geometric patterns a round lid topped with a pair of nommo figures, one seated and one kneeling.“The Dogon (or Kaador, Kaado) are an ethnic group indigenous to the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa, south of the Niger bend, near the city of Bandiagara, and in Burkina Faso. The population numbers between 400,000 and 800,000. Dogon containers were used to hold food consumed during the investment rituals of Dogon religious and political leaders known as hogon. Hogon are the high priests of the cult of Lebe, the first Dogon ancestor to die, whose body was miraculously transformed into a snake after his death. Associated with regeneration and renewal, the cult is charged with maintaining the earth's fertility and ensuring the protection and well-being of Dogon society.” less