In some circles it is thought that the Dogon people of Mali are descendants of the Egyptians! There are varied tales of the Dogon origin and how they arrived from their ancestral homelands to the Bandiagara region. Comparisons have been made concerning their language, symbolism, knowledge of astronomy, cosmology, numerical systems, agricultural practices, rituals and traditions with those of the Egyptians. This subject matter has garnered much debated and has yet to concretely solved. The door offered here certainly brings this controversy to light! Traditionally the doors served as markers for granaries and served also as indicators as to a persons’ status in the village or occupation. They can also serve as tangible reminders of a person that was revered by the tribe and has passed on. The deceased soul as valuable as any commodity to the Dogon are protected and appeased to ensure good fortune for the tribe. The figures a combination of Dogon and perceived Egyptian seem to indicate that this was the purpose of the door at hand. From top to bottom the door features: The traditional Dogon Primodial couple always carved in a larger perspective to any human figure, are located on the upper left and right side of the door. They have been separated by a line of dancers wearing the Kanaga masks which a worn during the Dama ceremony. The Dogon believe that the Dama dance creates a bridge into the supernatural world. Without the Dama dance, the dead cannot cross over into peace. Further down the great water spirit Nommo commander of large bodies of water is represented by one of his followings, the turtle, in abstract form. To the right of this water symbol is a pair of large breasts symbolizing abundance both of which are traditional Dogon symbolage. The middle tier of the relief show two very interesting figures! They appear to be the Egyptian dog Anubis, protector and guardian of dead spirits. The important Dogon snake spirit Lebe and an Ibis, Thot an Egyptian spirit is centered between them. Daily village life is portrayed at the bottom. This door provides a visual link to the possibility of suggested cultural ties between the Dogon and Egyptian people. The theory has yet to be proven but still makes for very interesting conversation!

Please click photo for enlargement!

Sold

Dimensions: 27 inches tall x 18 1/4 inches across. 

Any QUESTIONS please leave a message here at Contact Us!