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Dogon Granary Door.
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITEM MUST BE COLLECTED FROM OUR GALLERY DIRECTLY AND CANNOT BE SHIPPED.
A truely splendid piece of craftsmanship from some of the finest carvers and sculptors in Africa, the Dogon of Mali.
This particularly beautiful example of these hand carved doors that were made to fit the window or narrow doorway of the family grain silo which is of vital importance to Dogon life.
This is evident by the pointed hinges observable on the right side and the carved wooden lock on the left.
It is carved from 3 panels of wood.
These fascinating pieces of African Art serves a dual purpose, both practical and symbolic.
All the beings and animals carved in relief on the door refer to elements of the Dogon primordial creation myth. At the heart of this myth is a granary.
All granaries in Dogon society are symbolic representations of the original granary of Dogon myth, referred to as the “Granary of Pure Earth.
According to myth, the Granary of Pure Earth functioned as an ark in the deliverance of all life on earth. It is on the first granary that the eight original Dogon ancestors, known in some versions of the myth as nommo, descended from heaven, bringing with them all categories of insect, plant, animal, and the eight original seeds of agriculture. On earth, the granary is said represent the system of order in the universe as well as the body of a woman.
The helmeted figures dancing across the top of the door with their "Kanaga" head dresses on are the Nommos. They hover above their creation, mankind who bear the sacred star Sirius above their heads, and to the right we can see the pair of breasts that represent the granary as seen as a body of a woman, symbolising and literally containing nourishment.
At the bottom of the door we see representations of wild, mythological and domestic animals.
Not just a mere decorative carving but a secret scripture telling the story of the cosmos to the initiated...
It has an absolutely beautiful deep brown patina , blending into shades of red in places.
It is of some age as we can tell by the patina of the wood, although we cannot be certain of its precise age.
There are no cracks or chips. It is in outstanding condition although there are some minor signs of age related wear along the edges and among the relief work.
Please note that the latch does not move.
It is securely strung at the back with picture hanging screws and special string designed to hold weight. It can be hung straight away and fits flush against a wall.
The split in the wood seen at the top of the door is a part of its carving and does not detract. There is also a piece of wood jutting out from the back slightly but it is stable and does not affect how the piece hangs against a surface.
This amazing piece will look breathtakingly beautiful mounted on a well lit wall in a modern home.
And what a conversation piece it would make!
Height : 755mm from hinge tip to hinge tip.
Width 450mm
Disclaimer
By making an offer or bidding on this item,you understand it is a vintage,antique or collectible item and is sold as such.No Guarantee or Warranty is implied,expressed or stated on vintage items.The item is sold as is and its condition has been described to the best of our ability.
