Less than two hundred miles from Timbuktu, one enters the land, cliffs and life of the Dogon people. Built within and around the Bandiagara cliffs a multitude of dwellings are found. The Dogon realize that they are not the first inhabitants of the land that they now occupy. Their myths, legends and traditions and art retain the memories of their predecessors. According to intricate Dogon cosmogony, the earth and sky are two disks connected at their centers by a tree referred to as the axis mundi. The primordial couple, Dogon ancestors, is represented sitting on a stool, the base of which depicts the earth while the upper surface represents the sky. The seat itself is called an imago mundi and is supported by figures known as the Nommo. The Nommo, of which there are eight, are the forefathers of the entire Dogon race. Please note that the Nommo were thought to be bisexual. The female element dominate in some the male in others. The first Nommo pair constituted the Primordial Couple. The man's right arm is around the woman's neck and his hand touches her breast. The womans hands rests on her thighs. Both have arrow shaped noses which continue the crests of the headgear. The body detailing is traditional and significant. This well crafted pair was cast during the mid 20th century.

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These couples are usually in supply. They come in bronze and in wooden form.

Dimensions: 14 5/8 inches tall x 5 inches across x 3 inches deep. 

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