[Untitled]
Item
Accession Number
2024.9.
Subject
Figure|Ritual|West Africa
Country
Mali
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Carved tusk
Format
H x W x D: 22 1/4 in x 4 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in (56.515 cm x 11.43 cm x 11.43 cm)
Description
The carved tusk depicts an equestrian figure wearing a decorative cap with two faces, one on either side. The inclusion of the two faces may be a reference to dualism, or the dual nature of life. The features on the face have clear characteristics of the Dogon style, such as the large eyes and thin flat beard along the chin. Equestrian statues are common in the Dogon culture, as the horse acts as the agent that carries the human from life into death by raising them closer to the heavens.
Type
Figural Statue
Conforms To
Dogon