by Dionne Roberts
Collection ethnographique de José de Guimarães. Source: Wikimedia Commons
As an undergraduate student at a small liberal arts college in the early 1990’s, I had the good fortune to sign up for an introductory prerequisite course in Art History. I have to admit, I was an excellent student, and it was obvious the professor was impressed by my photographic memory and attention to detail. I could easily identify all the classical European art movements such as Byzantine, Baroque, Renaissance, and Impressionism to name a few.
Halfway through the course the professor introduced a new subject: The art of Africa, Oceana and the Americas. I was absolutely enthralled and mesmerized. It was entirely different from the weeks of studying Western art and I was immediately drawn to the symbolism and visual language of the Dogon Art of Mali.
What is Dogon Art?
Dogon art goes back several centuries, originating in Mali in the region known as the Bandiagara Cliffs. It is an area where the Dogon tribe found safety and the ability to develop their unique artistry. They are also known for their knowledge of astronomy, architecture and sculpture, which is demonstrated in their artwork.
Characteristics of Dogon Art
Dogon Art is an abstract and symbolic style characterized by human and animal forms that showcase a sense of mystery and spirituality. Dogon art is created mainly with the use of wood, stone and bronze materials.
- Dogon Masks usually made of wood are used in sacred and ritualistic ceremonies with each mask serving a unique purpose. It is believed to assist in communication with the ancestral spirit world.
- Dogon Sculpture often represents human and animal figures. An example is a sculpture of a man holding a snake which could indicate knowledge and wisdom.
Masque Dogon and John Odale. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Meaning and Symbolism
Dogon art is deeply rooted in Malian culture and embodies their fundamental beliefs. The imagery used in Dogon sculptures and masks is rooted in their religious and spiritual traditions. Every shape, symbol and design serves a specific function and meaning. The traditional religion of the Dogon is animist which means they practice nature-based spiritualism and ancestor worship.
An example of the animist belief system is the crocodile that is part of the Dogon origin story. Their belief is that they arrived on Earth from the star Sirius in a crocodile.
The Dogon people and their culture have remained one of the most unspoiled and authentic on the African continent due to their isolation. This seclusion allowed them to resist conquest first by Muslims and then French invaders.
The rich culture of the Dogon of Mali has influenced Western modernism and been a lifelong source of inspiration for avant-garde artists and post-impressionist painters. This brings me back to my art history class during my undergraduate studies over 30 years ago. I never imagined I would be a volunteer with an incredible organization like Wells Bring Hope writing a blog post about a small African tribe that lives on in my heart, mind and spirit.
Sources
National Museum of African Art – Visionary Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts: Visionary Artists | National Museum of African Art
African Carts Gallery – https://www.african-arts-gallery.com/african-art/ethnie-Dogon
How Dogon Art Inspired Western Artists – https://www.barnebys.com/blog/how-dogon-art-inspired-western-artists
