This handcrafted hairpin with a zoomorphic figure abstract is a handsome example of Dogon art; and as such, presents a style that greatly influenced the art of the West. It was used as an hair ornament and jewelry. A superb heavy oxidized vert-de-gris patina of greens and browns as well as encrusted deposits cover this imposing ring.The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali, south of the Niger bend near the city of Bandiagara in the Mopti region. Certain researchers investigating the Dogon have reported that they seem to possess advanced astronomical knowledge.

Model is W 3 - H 16 and weight 0.2 kg

The piece featured here is a deeply carved wood spear head in a bamboo shaft from the Dogon tribe in Mali. The spear head is carved of heavy dense wood and shows bars or barbs down one side. The head would remove from the shaft. The most notable weapons were made using a long wooden sheath and a metallic head as well as the bow and arrows and shields often made from animal hide. Spears were leaf shaped with along wooden shaft.The weapons consisted of spears and special javelins.Sometimes these were attached to a long string so that, after spearing an enemy, the spear could be pulled back again and used once more.

Made of 100% Iron, bamboo.

Model is W 4 – H 104 and weight 0.7 kg."

The Bozo Sogobo Fish puppets come from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, and are crafted by the Bozo artisans for the Sogo ba masquerade. Sculptures such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. They sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community. The Bozo people are known as "masters of the river" and their culture and artwork centers around their interaction with the Niger River. The fish puppets come in different colors and shape and are uniquely handcrafted.

Made of 100% Soft wood, pigment, nails.

Model is W 9 – H 39 and weight 0.3 kg.

This beautiful and finely felt dance mask is called “muyombo” with almost completely preserved curtains and remains of bright pigment, is considered one of the oldest of the Pende people of DR Congo (Belgian Congo). Mask such as these were  worn on top of the head like a baseball cap so it may be viewed in profile

Made of 100% wood, red pigments.

Model is W 53- H 22 and weight 0.9 kg.

This antique iron necklace originates from the Senufo people of Mali. It was originally used as an amulet anklet or chevillière. Traditional chevillières are worn by women but men, may also wear them, especially the larger and heavier anklets. Created using the lost wax method that involves creating a model in beeswax. Once completed, wax rods are attached to it and the entire model is encased in layers of fine clay. The structure is heated and the melted wax runs out through the channels of wax rods; molten metal is poured into the mold - the mold is broken and the piece has been created, resulting in a unique and original piece.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 2 – H 16 and weight 0.3 kg.

The Guros are well known as sculptors of colorful masks, statuettes, pulleys weavers and spoons. This Guro mask and many of the other masks are representations of the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. Guro masks originate from the west coast of Africa and more specifically from Ivory Coast. Guro mask is very unique and has a combination of human and animal traits and imaginary beasts. The Guro tribe or Gouro tribe as they are sometimes pronounced are very spiritual people and their masks are all representations of their way of live and spiritual way of life.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 30 – H 40 and weight 0.9 kg.

This door lock  (called Konbalabala) was generally used on the doors of dwellings. The design of the door lock represents among many things a person or myth or story. Door Locks were often given as as wedding gifts to young brides. 

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 20 - H 50 and weight 0.6 kg.

This Dogon bronze figure depict a woman in a kneeling position. The figure has a circular but flat body with spiky breasts. Her face reveals a couple of protruding lips, and on her head she has a neatly ethnic hairstyle. The figurines are decorated with tribal figurations and may represent fertility or maternity. These figures were placed on a family altar or kept in the village priest’s shrine where they would have offerings that were meant to infuse them with life force and to assist humans on earth to intercede with the deities. These unique figurines are molded using the basic method of lost-wax casting that has been widely practiced on the African continent for several hundred years prior to the arrival of the first western visitors. This is an impressive piece of art that is seldom seen in Dogon sculpture.

Made of 100% Bronze.

Model is W 5 – H 12 and weight 0.35 kg.

This Dogon mask with a superstructure is carved from heavy, dense wood, and originates from the Dogon peoples of Mali. The mask depict an abstracted face, a classic from the Dogon. A traditional shape used by the Dogon in much of their carvings. It’s a ceremony mask used during the annual harvest festival (called Bulu), celebrated in all the villages before the rainy season.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 59 - H 22 and weight 1.1 kg.

Colorful Bozo Belier puppets were used for performances in the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics.

Model is W 30 – H 56 and weight 1.2 kg.

The present Fali doll in a typical, round rod shape displays a head, neck, and body richly decorated with geometric lines. The wooden doll is heavily embellished with many chains of red, yellow, white and blue glass pearls, as well as decorated with pierced cowrie shells on old leather bands. It originates from North Cameroon. In Cameroon, when a young Fali man becomes betrothed, he makes a doll(ham pilu) from wood and decorates it with hair, beads, and other small objects. He then gives it to his fiance, who wears it in a baby carrier on her back. The doll is a symbol of their marriage commitment and represents their future child. The man gives the doll the gender that he desires for his first-born. The young woman cares for the figure until the promised child is born; at this point, the couple carefully stores the doll away. It is a Fali custom that a young man should manufacture a doll for his beloved. The woman carries this doll like a baby on her back, thus symbolising her agreement to get married and her wish to have a child. All wood and leather parts of the doll display a good, old usage patina.

Made of 100% wood.

Model is W 37 - H 25 and weight 1.5 kg.

Miniature figurine of  a horse and rider made of bronze. A strong symbolic figurine implying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the neck and ankles by the Dogon, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants or bracelets, and represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figurines depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali.

Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze.

Model is W 3 - H 12 and weight 0.4 kg.

The Bozo Sogobo Fish puppets come from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, and are crafted by the Bozo artisans for the Sogo ba masquerade. Sculptures such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. They sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community. The Bozo people are known as "masters of the river" and their culture and artwork centers around their interaction with the Niger River. The fish puppets come in different colors and shape and are uniquely handcrafted.

Made of 100% Soft wood, pigment, nails.

Model is W 9 – H 39 and weight 0.3 kg.

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 12 - H 30 and weight 0.6 kg.

Miniature horseman bronze figure – the horse and rider motif is a strong symbolic signifying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the world, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants on necklaces or bracelets, which represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figures depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Bronze, copper alloy.

Model is W 6 – H 11 and weight 0.1 kg.

Zoomorphic red fish puppet figure from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Masks such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint.

Model is W 24 - H 60 and weight 6 kg.

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 18 - H 30 and weight 0.4 kg.

This is a beautiful example of a Dogon bracelet. It shows old patina from usage, and is decorated with protective signs and symbols. This type of bracelets such as this were highly prized in Western Africa from 1600-1900, and utilized not only as jewelry and Currency Trade Money, but also as portable wealth. Metal works like this Dogon bracelet is molded in bronze by ‘the lost wax method’, also called ‘cire-perdue’.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 2 – H 14 and weight 0.3 kg.

Bozo Fish puppets were used for performances in the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics

Model is W 12 - H 27 and weight 3 kg.

This Guro mask and many of the other masks are representations of the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. Guro masks originate from the west coast of Africa and more specifically from Ivory Coast. Guro mask is very unique and has a combination of human and animal traits and imaginary beasts. The Guro tribe or Gouro tribe as they are sometimes pronounced are very spiritual people and their masks are all representations of their way of live and spiritual way of life.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 18 – H 32 and weight 0.7 kg.

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 14 - H 34 and weight 0.8 kg.

Zoomorphic fish puppet figure from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Masks such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics.

Model is W 13 – H 48 and weight 0.3 kg.

This elaborately carved vessel was used to hold food consumed during the investment rituals of Dogon religious and political leaders known as hogon. Hogon are the high priests of the cult of Lebe, the first Dogon ancestor to die, whose body was miraculously transformed into a snake after his death. Associated with regeneration and renewal, the cult is charged with maintaining the earth's fertility and ensuring the protection and well-being of Dogon society. This vessel's large size and visual elaboration indicates the hogon's importance within the life of a Dogon community.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze.

Model is W 8– H 14 and weight 0.3 kg.

This rare bronze container originate from the Dogon people. Vessels such as these were used in secondary burial rituals by the Dogon.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 23 – H 40 and weight 0.6 kg.

Zoomorphic fish puppet figure from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Masks such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics.

Model is W 32 – H 112 and weight 1.4 kg.