Interesting Dogon figure called "Nommo Shicouroulé," a man in a prayer position or pose and "niongom" style: characterized by the use of the natural form of the wood (branch or root), something infrequent in African statuary, the male character is shown leaning back and with his face completely tilted to the right, showing his profile. The figure carved from a branch or root results in a very elongated form, with its straight arms and flattened hands pressed to the thighs. It has body scarifications, especially noticeable in the area of the bulging belly, with a very pronounced navel. These images are characterized by the schematism of the features and the angular and rectilinear profiles, showing a great sense of verticality and it is frequent, as in this case, that they need a platform to achieve stability, often eliminating the feet.

The figure has a face with diamond-shaped eyes, a sharp and pointed nose, and a prominent beard that surrounds the entire neck; a disc forms its shoulders. This statue would embody the primordial man, "nommo," formed in clay by the god Amma, still an invertebrate, called "shicouroulé" or snake man, which symbolizes the "lébbé," a mythical ancestor who is responsible for advising the "hogon" (religious leader) every night on the affairs of his people.
Carved mostly on commission by a family, these statues, which sometimes embody the nyama of the deceased, were placed on the family altar, Tiré Kabou, and participated in various rituals, including those of the planting and harvesting seasons.

Condition: Cracks, erosion, and lack of volume in several areas, the latter as a result of woodworm infestation.

DOGON STATUE “NOMMO SHICOUROULÉ”
Mali, 20th century

The sculpture exhibits cracks, erosion, and loss of volume in several areas, mainly caused by the attack of wood-boring insects.

Originating from Mali and belonging to the Dogon ethnic group, this 19th-century statue reflects animist beliefs and mythology about the primordial man created by the god Amma. Carved for family and agricultural rituals, these pieces were key in communication between ancestors and religious leaders, symbolizing protection, guidance, and the life cycle of the community.