Dogon Seated Figure in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2020

Seated Figure
early 20th century

Dogon peoples


Object Details

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


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.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/747686