With C14 test IRPA. Mali, 15th-17th century, 34,5 high. The figure of the kneeling mother holding her children has been an important subject of religious sculpture in the region. Dogon patrons commission maternity figures to express a prayer to be blessed with children. The Tellem region was taken over by the Dogon who called 'Tellem' literally 'we have found them here'. Recent ethnographic and archeological investigations have confirmed the existence of a 'Tellem' population, one that pre-dated and was distinguishable from the Dogon. Through radiocarbon analysis of objects and burial sites, specialist Rogier Bedaux delineated a chronology of the populations who lived in the Bandiagara Escarpment: Tellem (11th-15th century) of which this is a fine and rare example. Among the Tellem, as well as the Dogon the deep rich patina played the role of receptacle for nyama, or life force. Without this substance and its ritual appliance - a combination of blood and grains - the statue would be a mere piece of wood devoid of any protective power. The patina thus becomes a crucial component in appreciating this sculpture and its ceremonial significance.
The unusual iron “knife” bound on the left arm, clearly indicates the ritual significance of the figure.

Provenance:
Dutch private collection;
Wil Hoogstraate, Amsterdam;
Dr. J. B. Bedaux, Wezemael.

Published:
Symbool van het Moederschap (Maternity), Galerie D'Eend Amsterdam 1982, page 4;
'Art of the Dogon', Brussels 2012, cat 27. Carbon dating 15th-17th century. Comes with a certificate from the Institut Royal de Patrimoine Artistique, Brussels.