The essence of this statuette lies in its portrayal of the "Nommo," an ancestral protector that takes on varied forms across the intricate tapestry of Dogon iconography. Revered within their cultural beliefs, the Nommo is believed to possess the extraordinary ability to manifest in both human and animal forms, a testament to the spiritual connection the Dogon people maintain with the ethereal world.
The character depicted within this artful creation captures an ancestor, positioned gracefully on all fours, a symbolic representation of the Nommo's versatile nature. Adorned with a mottled patina, the statuette carries the weight of history and symbolism, encapsulating the mysticism that runs deep within Dogon culture.
The Dogon, a people of around 300,000 souls, reside in the southwest of the Niger loop, particularly in regions such as Bandiagara, Koro, Banka, as well as near Douentza in Mali, and part of northern Burkina Faso, northwest of Ouahigouya. Their villages perch atop rocky outcrops on the hillsides, showcasing a unique architectural style that characterizes their distinctive way of life.
While often commissioned by families, these Dogon statues can also hold communal significance, marking occasions such as village foundations. These statues are imbued with deep spiritual meaning, aligned with the four main religious cults within Dogon society: Lébé, focused on fertility and guided by the spiritual authority of the Hogon; Wagem, centered on ancestral reverence under the patriarch's guidance; Binou, delving into the world of spirits and led by the Binou priest; and the masquerade society, dedicated to funeral rituals.
