Female Figure Standing with Arms Raised
Arts of Africa
The religious beliefs of the Dogon focus primarily on the spirits of ancestors, who are the intermediaries between the living and the forces of the universe. The deceased ancestors of one’s own clan or lineage are remembered and petitioned on altars.
This figure’s posture of up-stretched arms, with the left hand open and the fingers of the right hand closed, is a common Dogon motif that is often interpreted as a prayer for rain. Here it seems more likely to represent supplication to the ancestors.
This figure’s posture of up-stretched arms, with the left hand open and the fingers of the right hand closed, is a common Dogon motif that is often interpreted as a prayer for rain. Here it seems more likely to represent supplication to the ancestors.
CULTURE
Dogon
MEDIUM
Wood
DATES
16th to 19th century
DIMENSIONS
without separate base: 47 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 8 11/16 in. (121.3 x 18.4 x 22 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
2011.4.5
CREDIT LINE
Collection of Beatrice Riese
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Female figure with arms raised above head, body and facial scarification. Carved necklace and bracelets. Object heavily weathered. Overall condition good. Attached to large block base.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Dogon. Female Figure Standing with Arms Raised, 16th to 19th century. Wood, without separate base: 47 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 8 11/16 in. (121.3 x 18.4 x 22 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Collection of Beatrice Riese, 2011.4.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.4.5_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 2011.4.5_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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