Description

Command center stage in your gallery collection with this monumental 3.75-foot (114 cm) vintage hand-carved wood Dege maternity figure, masterfully crafted by the Dogon people of the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali.

Historically kept on sacred ancestral altars or within communal meeting houses, these large-scale maternal statues embody the primordial mothers of the clan, carved to invoke ancestral fertility, ensure safe childbirth, and secure spiritual prosperity for the village lineage. This exceptional example depicts a mother standing with pure architectural gravity, cradling an infant in her right arm while her left hand rests supportively on her prominently swollen, pregnant abdomen.

The figure displays the brilliant geometric abstraction that defines Dogon mastery—including long, forward-jutting triangular breasts, fine incised linear scarification panels, and an elongated columnar neck supporting a crested shield-shaped head. Carved from a dense single continuous log of heavy indigenous timber with a beautifully weathered, dry grey-brown vintage patina, this large sculpture stands as a true museum-quality centerpiece.

Shipping & Care Instructions

Shipping & Handling Particulars

Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 24-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.

Care & Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Lobi piece, please observe the following care instructions:

Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.

Additional information

Region	West Africa
Culture	Lobi People
Origin	Burkina Faso, West Africa
Estimated Period	Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s)
Material	Carved Hardwood, Animal Horn, Glass Trade Beads, Leather, Fiber Cord
Height	24 inches (61 cm)
Condition	Excellent vintage condition. Wood shows beautiful natural aging and minor stable cracks consistent with genuine ritual use. All mixed-media attachments are structurally intact.