Extraordinary statue called "Nommo Shicouroulé," a bent man or in a prayer position, in the "niongom" style: characterized by the use of the natural form of the wood (branch or root), uncommon in African sculpture. The male figure only escapes the strong concentration of the pose due to the inverted face. Sculpting from a branch or root results in a very elongated form, with long arms and flattened hands over the thighs; the figure presents its profile. Facial and body scarification: continuous dotted lines extend across the entire body. The bent bust is characterized by the schematic nature of the features and the angular and rectilinear profiles. These statues show a great sense of verticality and often require a base to achieve stability. This statue embodies the primordial man, "nommo," formed from clay by the god Amma, still invertebrate, called "shicouroulé" or serpent man, which symbolizes the "lébbé," the mythical ancestor who advises the "hogon" (religious leader) every night on the affairs of his people.
Carved mostly on commission by a family, they were placed on the family altar, Tiré Kabou.
These statues, which sometimes embody the nyama of the deceased, are placed on ancestral altars and participate in various rituals, including those of the planting and harvesting seasons. However, their functions remain poorly understood.
Condition: Good condition. Wood dried out by the passage of time, small areas of wear.
DOGON STATUE “NOMMO SHICOUROULÉ”
Mali 19th-20th centuries
