Shop a monumental 5.25 ft vintage Dogon multi-tiered wood ritual vessel from Mali. Monolithic caryatid container topped with an equestrian finial figure. Buy now!
Monumental 5 1/4 Ft Vintage Dogon Multi-Tiered Equestrian Ritual Vessel – Mali
$2,200.00
Description
Introduce an absolute triumph of West African structural wood carving and exceptional prestige history to your gallery with this monumental 5.25-foot (160 cm) vintage hand-carved wood multi-tiered ritual container, masterfully sculpted from a single continuous log of heavy indigenous timber by the Dogon people of Mali.
Historically commissioned exclusively for the Hogon—the supreme spiritual and political leader of a Dogon village—these large-scale stacked containers function as sacred vessels used during annual community sacrifices and elite ancestral funerals to symbolize cosmic balance and societal order. This magnificent monolithic sculpture is crowned by an iconic equestrian finial figure, the ultimate Dogon symbol of temporal authority, wealth, and prestige.
The core of the structure features two stacked spherical container cavities meticulously detailed with hand-incised geometric zig-zag and chevron patterns, supported by a circular platform ringed with multiple standing ancestral caryatid pillars. The entire 5.25-foot architectural column is anchored by an underlying quadruped support base that forms a solid, self-standing foundation. Clothed in a gorgeous, deeply aged dry matte-charcoal patina, this piece stands as a true museum-quality centerpiece for advanced collections.
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 | |
|---|---|
| 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. |
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