This powerful figure of a hermaphrodite human seated upon an unidentified animal was carved by the Dogon, who live on the Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali. The representation is very distinctive. The animal is comparatively small, shaped as a horizontal column with short legs, hips/shoulders rendered as angular blocks and a downward-pointing head. The neck is recessed, the head bearing small, high ears, a slit mouth and low-relief incised eyes. The rider is sat upon the rearmost third of the animal, their legs drawn up and their feet pressed into the animal’s flanks. The human’s proportions are traditionally Dogon. The torso is leaning very far backwards, with a protuberant abdomen and male genitalia as well as breasts, which are rendered as a block that is continuous with the shoulders. The arms are long and slender, and raised above the head (slightly flexed at the elbow). This pose is traditionally associated with Tellem sculptures, which in turn are believed to represent an appeal for rain. The features are rendered in low relief, with light brows, a linear nose and a plate-like beard that encircles the head from side to side. The wood surface is well-used, but not encrusted. This figure was believed to represent nommo – ancestral spirits that most resemble hermaphrodite giant newts – but the lack of amphibian characteristics make this unlikely. However, the fact that it is a hermaphrodite makes this hypothesis possible.

The Dogon live on the Bandiagara escarpment, Mali, a 150-mile-long eminence that supports a population of between 250,000 and 450,000. They have been described as the most studied and least understood tribal group in Africa. Their history, technology, cultural wealth, art and even oral legends are among the most involved in Africa, not least because the polity is in fact essentially artificial, comprising various sub-units that were grouped together on the basis of propinquity under the colonial administration. They moved to this area in the 15th century, escaping the Mande kingdom and slavery at the hands of Islamic groups, and displaced a number of tribes (including the Tellem and Niongom) that were living on the escarpment at the time. They are agriculturists (millet, barley, onions and various animals), patrilineal, polygamous and have a society arranged around specialist trades. They are also believed to have advanced astronomical skills, including knowledge of the fact that Sirius is a double star (something that didn’t become apparent to astronomers with telescopes till the later 20th century). Due to the high concentration of people in some areas of the escarpment, they have developed a social system based around the concept of “sewa” – essentially a balance of social harmony where all classes and groups recognise, thank and recognise the value of all the others. They are excessively prolific in terms of artistic production, not least because they have mastered all the main materials that are used in traditional African art; figures in stone, iron, bronze/copper and of course wood are all known, in addition to cave/rock painting and adaptation of more modern materials. Furthermore, their social structures are extremely complex (and variable – see below) and are socially signalled through numerous material signalling systems. Their profound resistance to Islam, which once sought to enslave them, is striking in light of their comparative proximity, and can be seen in their defiantly figurative artworks which are of course banned under Islamic law.

Their diversity has posed certain challenges to western art historians. There are around seventy-eight different mask forms still in production (in addition to numerous extinct variants), which are used in ceremonies for circumcision, initiation, funeral rites (damas), cultic procedures (the Dogon have numerous cults that pertain to twins, as well as spirits including mono, sigui, Lebe [crocodile], binou and amma) and other seminal events. They also produce numerous sculptural forms, of males, females, nommos and unidentifiable individuals that have maternity and ancestor functions. Even secular items are endowed with iconographic designs that bestow benedictions upon the user or owner; notable examples include headrests, granary doors/locks, house-posts and troughs. They are also renowned for their skilful production of jewellery and other metal objects. Rock paintings are carried out on behalf of boys undergoing the circumcision process, who are feted and admired – they must walk around naked for a month after the event – after they have been operated upon. This marks the end of their youth. Female circumcision is also practiced, although – mercifully – the form used does not involve full excision.

The language of Dogon iconography is written into all of their material culture. Dogon artistic heritage is primarily sculptural and anthropomorphic, and most objects in the western world are sculptures rather than masks (as these are highly important in Dogon society and are not usually sold to westerners). Most of the sculptures are not made to be seen publicly, and are commonly kept by the spiritual leader (Hogon) away from the public eye, within the houses of families, or in sanctuaries. They represent males, females, hermaphrodites, nommos (ancestral spirits), animals and a range of mythical beasts which are variously seen as ancestors, talismans and guardian figures. The scale of the population and the size of the area in which they live have resulted in considerable social and artistic diversity. Noted variants include the Master of Oghol style, Tintam, Komakon, Bombou-Toro, Wakara, Niongom, Kibsi and Nduleri figures, all of which can all be differentiated stylistically on the basis of their mode of execution. Their discovery of ancient sculptures by the Tellem people in caves along the base of the escarpment led to the incorporation of certain stylistic conventions (i.e. human figures with upraised arms in what is believed to be a prayer for rainfall) into more recent Dogon works.

This is a powerful and impressive piece of Dogon sculpture. It displays well, and is a striking and attractive piece of African design.