Female figure carved in wood, with a bulging abdomen, conical breasts, and anatomical stylization, attributed to the Dogon tradition of Mali.

Dogon Fertility Figure

Mali · Dogon ethnicity

This Dogon sculpture depicts a female figure with a prominent abdomen, conical breasts, and well-defined buttocks, showing scarification on the chest and abdomen.

The stylized design stands out for its crown-like hairstyle and geometric details on the face. Mounted on large feet, it conveys a static and immobile presence.

Carved in wood in the mid-20th century, it reflects the Dogon vision of fertility.

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Description

Unique Dogon female representation, from Mali. The body, with a very prominent abdomen, shows well-defined conical breasts, steatopygia (very prominent buttocks), straight arms not quite touching the body. It shows a certain stylization of the forms, more rounded and with well-marked anatomical details. Tall, smooth skull. Hairstyle..., eyes, nose, mouth with a geometric linear style. Static and immobile tendency. On large feet as a kind of pedestal. The hairstyle, like a crown, stands out.
Scars on the breasts and abdomen.
Characteristics of Dogon sculpture.

Light patina. The head shows the effects of wood-boring insects, areas full of galleries (wormholes), and some areas of the abdomen, while the rest of the body is in very good condition.

DOGON FERTILITY
Mali, 20th century

Restoration status

The piece retains a clear patina and shows damage from wood-boring insects in the head and some areas of the abdomen, with visible galleries, while the rest of the body remains in very good condition.

Historical context

Dogon female sculptures from Mali, carved during the 20th century, symbolize fertility and the continuity of life within the worldview of this people. Used in rituals and ceremonies, these figures stand out for their anatomical stylization and elaborate hairstyles, reflecting the importance of women and the aesthetic ideals of Dogon culture.