Togu na Support Post: Female Figure

Unknown

19th–20th century · Wood · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Forked sculptural elements support the roof beams of togu na, open-sided shelters where Dogon men meet to rest, converse, and discuss issues of importance to the community. The low roofs, made of thick stacks of millet stalks, keep the interior dark and cool and force the men to sit, encouraging calm, peaceful discourse. The posts are carved in relief, usually with figures of women with exaggerated conical breasts, couples, or more recently animals, masks, and other subjects. The figures display the geometric and angular forms favored by Dogon artists.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–20th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Dogon peoples

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1964