Object Details
- Dogon artist
- Label Text
- This type of stool is associated with the hogon, the Dogon priest of the lineage, and it is not actually sat upon. The seat and base, which are joined by a center post that represents the axis of the world, symbolize the sky and the earth. The figures with upraised arms may represent the eight founding ancestors, the primordial couples known as nommo. The serpentine line on the side of the stool represents the fluid nature of nommo, specifically the primordial ancestor Lebe Serou who takes serpent form.
- Description
- Wood stool with round base and seat, supported by central cylindrical rod and figures with upraised arms and bent knees, two single figures and two pairs. Sides of top and base have sepentine motif in relief. Overall eroded surface.
- Provenance
- Robert H. Simmons, -- to 1968
- Exhibition History
- African Emblems of Status, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 29, 1982-April 3, 1983
- African Sculpture, Princeton University Art Museum, February 2-March 14, 1971, no. 9
- Published References
- Museum of African Art. 1971. African Sculpture at Princeton University from the Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, p. 6, no. 9.
- Park, Edwards. 1983. Treasures of the Smithsonian. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books, p. 398.
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Art Gallery. 1970. African Art. Amherst: University of Massachusetts, no. 1.
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Credit Line
- Gift of Robert H. Simmons
- Early to mid-20th century
- Object number
- 68-34-1
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Decorative Arts
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 28.9 x 21.2 x 21 cm (11 3/8 x 8 3/8 x 8 1/4 in.)
- Geography
- Mali
- See more items in
- National Museum of African Art Collection
- National Museum of African Art
- Topic
- Leadership
- Ancestral
- Human
- snake
- Male use
- male
- Record ID
- nmafa_68-34-1
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7a5682e70-2c6e-4f80-bd48-0500176485ea
