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Seated Figure

early 20th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
In the absence of contextual documentation, scholars have suggested general theories about the intended role and significance of outstanding examples of Dogon sculpture such as this seated figure. In a Dogon myth documented by Marcel Griaule, a sculpture was carved at the time of the first human death to support the soul of the departed and thereby release the vital force of nyama. As death spread across the land, each lineage adopted the practice of placing sculptural offerings on dedicated altars. Anthropologist Walther van Beek, however, has disputed this explanation, emphasizing that the subjects of Dogon sculpture are petitioners addressing the immediate concerns of the living.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Seated Figure
  • Date: early 20th century
  • Geography: Mali, Kambari, southern Bandiagara plateau
  • Culture: Dogon peoples
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: H. 27 9/16 × W. (approx.) 11 × D. (approx.) 8 in. (70 × 27.9 × 20.3 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Private collection
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing