Dogon Wooden Sculpture of a Woman

For the Dogon the symmetry of their statues represents the concept of social order and harmony. This lovely sculpture is also a model of feminine beauty, exhibiting not only physical perfection but also moral virtues. Her buttocks protrudes sharply upwards, counterbalanced by the extension of the abdomen and navel. The very long, graceful neck draws attention to her delicately carved face, with a zig-zag pattern of scarification on either side, repeated down the center of the chest and abdomen. Perfectly formed breasts proclaim a fertility aspect, though the statue itself may not have been designed for that purpose. Due to the arid climate of the Dogon land some of their wooden sculpture have survived for centuries, resulting in a classic style that depicts the human body in a manner that is realistic and abstract–bringing to mind we are both flesh and spirit.