Additional Information:  This figural bronze figure reflects the art and skill of the Dogon blacksmith. Such objects play an important role in Dogon religion and ritual. Such a staff would be placed in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred shelter where the Dogon keep objects of magical importance. Forged iron or bronze staffs such as this were carried by important individuals to indicate their social or religious status.  Forged by blacksmiths such staffs carried ritual and symbolic meaning in the images worked in metal and in the material itself as the casting of metal  was part of Dogon mythology.   Bronze or brass and also iron figures are identified with Dogon myths of creation, as the blacksmith was one of the first primordial beings known as Nommo created by Ama who is one of the major Dogon deities. The identity between the Nommo and the blacksmith creates a bond and an identity that gives the blacksmith special powers which include the ability to call down rain so important in Dogon life.  Recommended Reading: Griaule, M. "Les Symboles des arts africains". 1951 Guggenheim, H. "Dogon Art". 1974; Ezra, K. Art of the Dogon. 1988.  Laude's AFRICAN ART OF THE DOGON, Amex DOGON STATUARY, Ezra's ART OF THE DOGON, Ndiaye's ARTS DU PAYS DOGON.

• Materials: Bronze or Brass
• Country of Origin: Mali
• Dimensions: Height: 37.5 InchesWidth: 1.75 InchesBase 3.5 x 4.25 inches
• People: Dogon

Materials: Bronze or BrassAfrica Direct