|
This very old shutter was placed midway up the granary wall, and
provided access to the goods stored inside. The Dogon granaries are
narrow, four-sided or round, with a structure made of wood and
covered with cob, and generally a thatch roof (see picture).
The chevrons symbolize the lebe snake, as well as the
fertilizing rain. The central figures represent tortoises in very
abstract way. The tortoise is one of the totemic animals of Dogon.
One as well finds it represented on shutters, as on attic posts,
doors, or door locks (ta koguru). Aquatic animal related to
the fertility of growing, it protects by its symbolic strength the
granary against robbers, and generally wards off fate.
Sculpted by the blacksmith of the village for the hogon
(spiritual chief) and notables, shutters are one of the major
elements of Dogon art. Extremely furrowed surface is the sign of a
great antiquity.
Origin :
|
Mali (Bandiagara cliffs area)
|
Type :
|
Architectural components
|
Ethnic group :
|
Dogon
|
Material :
|
Brownish wood, furrowed patina
|
Size :
|
W = 12.9 inches; H = 26.7 inches
|
If you want to know more about this object or send us your remarks,
click here. Please notify us with this object id: 2552.
|