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Rare African Aduno Koro, 'Ark of the World' Ceremonial Vessel, Dogon Peoples

$7,000
£5,315.27
€6,078.40
CA$9,780.02
A$10,877.51
CHF 5,679.90
MX$132,367.75
NOK 72,540.97
SEK 68,030.63
DKK 45,365.45
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About the Item

The Aduno Koro (ark of the world) is a trough-like vessel used to hold the raw and cooked meat of sheep and / or goats that are sacrificed at a family altar during the annual ritual known as "Goru", celebrated during the winter solstice. These are found in the house of a lineage elder known as a "ginna" and is typically carved with a horse head & tail, said to represent a mythic ark sent by the creator Amma and guided by the primordial being Nommo. The animal form is explained by the fact that Nommo, upon his arrival on Earth, first transformed into a horse and pulled the ark along behind him. The eight human figures carved in relief along the sides of the ark represent the eight original ancestors of humankind that were carried in the ark along with the essentials they would need for life on Earth. Similar ritual vessels can take a more fully representational, horse-like form, with four legs; others have fitted lids. The body of this ark is pleasingly rounded, subtly naturalistic yet still stylized. Interesting as well is the realistic treatment of the tail. The eight relief carved ancestral figures are supplemented by carved geometric motifs interspaced between them, as well as along the rim of the vessel.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 47.5 in (120.65 cm)Depth: 13 in (33.02 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
    Mali
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Age splits, surface wear, early pegged repairs.
  • Seller Location:
    Ottawa, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2728329799012

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