XIXth Old Dogon female figure

Old Dogon Standing Female Figure — Mali, 18th–19th Century
Height: 23 cm | Wood with aged patina | Provenance: Dutch collection (name disclosed to buyer)

This standing female figure exemplifies the timeless elegance of Dogon sculpture from Mali. Carved from wood and standing 23 cm tall on a round base, the figure presents a serene, introspective expression. Her elongated arms, detached and positioned alongside the body, emphasize the balanced proportions and spiritual calm typical of Dogon aesthetics.

The rich, weathered patina attests to its age and long ritual history, revealing the natural beauty of the material shaped by time. Figures like this were traditionally created to honor ancestors or represent protective spirits, serving as intermediaries between the living and the spiritual world.

Despite its simplicity, the piece conveys remarkable presence and dignity, demonstrating the artist’s ability to evoke both human form and spiritual essence with restrained, symbolic detail. The round base suggests that the sculpture was intended to stand upright, possibly used in a household or ceremonial shrine.

A fine and authentic Dogon figure, notable for its age, balance, and quiet spiritual strength — preserved from an old Dutch collection.