Figure, 20th century

  • Dogon, African

Wood

  • Overall (on base): 11 5/8 × 2 9/16 × 3 inches (29.5 × 6.5 × 7.6 cm)

Founders Society Purchase, Benson and Edith Ford Fund

1989.77

On View

  • African, Level 1, North

Department

African Art

This highly abstract, almost phallic, small Dogon figure exhibits the monumental quality and simplicity that typifies the Dogon style. Such figures were used to capture spirit forces and are frequently covered with the remains of sacrificial blood and millet.

(Alan Brandt, Inc., New York, New York, USA)

1989-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)

Dogon, African, Figure, 20th century, wood. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, Benson and Edith Ford Fund, 1989.77.