Set of 3, African Door Sculptures

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Set of 3, African Door Sculptures

About the Item

Fantastic set of three carved African doors with custom made black metal sculpture stand. Each door rests on a metal stand with two pegs in the front and a set of holes in the back for screws. Door can be sold without metal stand and hung on a wall. Each door tells a story of a family and their progeny. They were Crocodile hunters, seafarers, and noblemen with many wives and children. History: The Dogon people of Mali are known the world over for their creation of Dogon Doors. The doors have various uses in their society; first as the physical closure to their granaries. Secondly they are created and exchanged as gifts for birthdays, marriages, tokens of luck and rites of passage bequests. Thirdly, when used as a part of the architecture, as a door or shutter, in a private abode, through the use of symbols they are used to describe the occupation of the person or that persons persona or status in the village. Lastly it served as a sign to taxpayers, letting them know which form of payment was accepted in the adjoining building. The symbolic styling of the doors can vary. Pairs of breasts, representing femininity and fertility are usually found. Village dancers wearing the famed rabbit eared Walu mask or the tall Kanaga headdress typically underline the bottom of the door. The Kanaga masks are worn by members of the Awa Society who dance on the roof of the deceased in order to lead the soul (nyama) to its resting place as well as defending the survivors from the harm a wandering soul might inflict upon them. A herringbone pattern can often be found running down the sides of the door representing the vibration of water and light. The door latch is surmounted by one or two larger figures who are members of the famed founding primordial couple. Other themes include but are not limited to village scenes, warriors on horseback, animal figures, gecko lizards which represent luck, large crocodiles which denote power and rows and rows of raised Dogon ancestor figures that all resemble each other. less.

Dimensions:
Height: 70 in (177.8 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 3
Style:
Rustic (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Hardwood
Place of Origin:
Mali
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Original, unrestored condition. Doors show discoloration and even some remaining dirt. Back of doors have screw holes. Mounting doors onto metal base will require two individuals.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7058230955802