Figure Item Number: 3035/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small brass figurine. Figure has a large head--a sharp wedge in cross section, wide in depth, with a narrow face--and carved slits for eyes, ears and mouth. Large breasts protrude to the front, as does the narrow, pointed belly. The figure stands with knees and arms bent, hands gripping a tall pole that sits in a small bowl attached to a rectangular platform at bottom.
History Of Use
One interpretation of this figure is that it immortalizes an aspect of a Dogon woman's work during her lifetime. These sculptures can often be seen on a family's ancestral altar, further honouring a woman's labour and how intertwined her role is with her lineage's survival. During the funeral orations a woman is often compared to a wooden stirring tool that becomes shorter due to heavy use over time; the mortar and pestle on this figure are potentially a visual representation of the wooden stirring tool, depicting a woman's continuous labour for her community.
Narrative
Acquired by the donor from a blacksmith while he was in Mali making a film on the Dogon.
Item History
- Made in Mopti, Mali
- Collected during 1977
- Owned by Rudi Kovanic before November 21, 2013
- Received from Rudi Kovanic (Donor) on November 21, 2013
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- 3035/2
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- brass metal
- Overall
- height 7.4 cm, width 1.5 cm, depth 2.9 cm
Who
- Culture
- Dogon
- Previous Owner
- Rudi Kovanic
- Received from
- Rudi Kovanic (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Mopti, Mali
When
- Collection Date
- during 1977
- Ownership Date
- before November 21, 2013
- Acquisition Date
- on November 21, 2013
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3035/0002