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Horse (miniature) on later base

Dogon

Artwork Details

Horse (miniature) on later base
circa 1920
Dogon
carved wood, blood, patination, gruel, millet, clay
2 5/16 x 1 11/16 x 5 5/16 in. (6.0 x 4.4 x 13.5 cm);3 1/4 in x 2 in (8.2 cm x 5 cm)
Gift of the Betty Parsons Foundation
1986/1.175

Tags

Description

9/23/2004
Based on iconographic parallels it seems more likely that this figure represents a dog. Its patina suggests the use of this object in sacrifices, which would not have parallels if it were to represent a horse. However, dogs play an important part in Dogon mythology. During their migration from Mande to the Bandiagara plateau, where the Dogon now live, they were in a very dry area and couldn't find water, until when of their dogs came back with wet feet. So thanks to the dog the Dogon people eventually found a spring and a stream.
(Souce; Imperato 1978:89)

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