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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Figure
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Figure

Artist/Maker (Mali)
Date19th century or earlier
Mediumwood
DimensionsOverall: 8 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (22.2 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.79
    DescriptionDogon mythology contains an episode where a nommo (mythical ancestor) in the form of a serpentine being named Lebe descended into the skull case of a Hogon, the religious leader or earth priest of a Dogon clan. This symbolizes the link maintained between the Hogon as spiritual leader of his clan and Amma, the creator god. While the top figure in this sculpture does not look very much like a serpent, the bottom figure has a beard, which would be consistent with its identification as the Hogon. Throughout much of Africa, spirit possession is expressed by the metaphor of the spirit “riding” the head of the devotee. The head is the locus of spiritual force or energy.
    On View
    On view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Door
    Dogon people
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Double-faced Helmet Mask
    Ejagham people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lamp
    Dogon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Dogon people
    19th century or earlier
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Figure
    Dogon people
    19th century or earlier
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask (Kanaga)
    Dogon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Water Pot
    Dogon people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Throne
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Horse and Rider
    Akan people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Divination Head
    Bassa people
    20th century
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