Extraordinary carved wooden statue, known as "Nommo Shicouroulé". It is in a prayer pose and in a style called "niongom", which is characterized by the use of the natural shape of the wood (branch or root), resulting in very elongated and inclined figures; in this case, the inclination is notable and requires a solid base or platform to achieve stability, an inclination that symbolizes the connection between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The schematic nature of the features stands out, with angular and rectilinear profiles, a very elongated form, with straight arms and flattened hands pressed to the thighs, simplified facial features, diamond-shaped carved eyes, a sharp and pointed nose, and a small mouth, all reflecting the Dogon geometric aesthetic, as well as linear markings that could represent ritual scars or cosmological symbols.
It represents a "nommo," a spiritual and ancestral being, associated with fertility and creation, the primordial man formed from clay by the god Amma, still an invertebrate, called "shicouroulé" or snake man, which symbolizes the "lebbé," a mythical ancestor who advises the "hogon" (Dogon religious leader) on sacred matters and knowledge, life, agriculture, natural cycles, and the transmission of divine wisdom to humanity in Dogon mythology. Therefore, the "nommo shicouroulé" is a variation of these mythical beings within Dogon cosmology.
These are figures with profound symbolic and spiritual meaning, as they are considered bearers of the essence of the Nommo and act as intermediaries between the human world and the divine world.
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 of fertility, healing, and protection, as well as in those of the sowing and harvesting periods.
Conservation status: Shows signs of wear and erosion, indicating prolonged use and long exposure to adverse environmental conditions. This is reflected in the piece's coloration, which varies between very dark tones and lighter areas, revealing dry and fragile wood. Small colored stains from rubbing are also visible.
It has a very interesting patina, with an irregular surface and visible marks. The texture, rough and harsh, presents a pattern of incisions and carved lines, as part of an intentional design, all of which reinforces the impression of an old and well-used wood, a sign of authenticity and traditional use.
"Curved and solid, it reflects an exceptionally achieved balance."
Figures comparable to ours can be found in museums such as the Quai Branly (Paris) or the Metropolitan Museum (New York).
DOGON FIGURE “NOMMO SHICOUROULÉ”
Mali, 20th century
