Couple Tellem
Dogon · Mali
Reference: PRJ-1
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- Height
- 32 cm
- Material
- Wood and dark patina
They are statues dedicated to worshiping ancestors. Raised arms go to Amma, God of heaven, asking for rain. All these statues are related to dogon mythology…
Enquire about this objectFull original description
They are statues dedicated to worshiping ancestors. Raised arms go to Amma, God of heaven, asking for rain. All these statues are related to dogon mythology and represent primordial ancestors. They belong to the so-called \"Tellem\" style. The Tellem were the first inhabitants of Bandiagara, considered as the distant ancestors of the Dogon. This statue, carved in one piece, represents the primordial couple from which all humans descend., is the first-born couple, children of Nommo. Remains of a crusty patina due to sacrificial libations. According to Marcel Graiaule, the first man and the first woman were called respectively, in dogon mythology, Adama and Hawa.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Mali. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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