Details
ITEM NAME:
Dogon Nommo Figure
ITEM #:
2408
ETHNICITY:
Dogon
ORIGIN:
Mali
MEDIUM:
Wood.
DIMENSIONS:
32″ Tall (81.3 cm)
CONDITION:
Very Good Considering age, Wood has marking of bug damage and general age deterioration.
PROVENANCE:
Private Collection – Florida, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
In Dogon mythology, the tale of creation and the emergence of life is intricately woven with the notion of cosmic balance and duality. At the heart of this myth lies the enigmatic figure of the Nommo—mystical beings who were both male and female, embodying the essence of the universe. They arrived on Earth aboard a celestial ark, marking the beginning of our world.
The narrative describes how the Earth was initially feminine in nature until it was transformed through the union with the Nommo, bringing harmony between the two primal forces. The Nommo, described as serpentine and fluid creatures, were the progenitors of all humans, establishing lineages from which we all descend.
The myth speaks of a Primordial Couple followed by other Nommo pairs who embarked on a sacred voyage, descending from the heavens to impart life upon Earth. Their bodies were devoid of joints, symbolizing an unbroken connection with the cosmos. This cosmic voyage is commemorated through the sacrifice of a Nommo, an act of celestial purification. Parts of this divine being were dispersed across the Earth—at the cardinal points and its very center—imbuing the planet with sacred power.
One particular representation that resonates through African art is that of sacrifice and supplication, capturing the Nommo with raised arms appealing to the heavens for forgiveness and renewal. This poignant gesture also alludes to their role as bearers of wisdom and communicators between the spiritual and earthly realms.
For collectors of African art, these narratives are not mere fables; they are vivid testimonies to the profound spirituality and cosmic awareness of the Dogon people. Each artistic depiction of the Nommo serves as a symbolic bridge connecting modern existence with ancestral knowledge and primordial truths. Through these pieces, one can appreciate the depth of Dogon mythology, celebrating the complex interchange between humanity and the universe.
