Dogon people (Mali)

The Dogon have occupied the same isolated cliff region of Mali since at least the 12th century when they migrated to the Bandigara Escarpment to avoid the expanding Islamic state that encompassed the Niger River regions and its cities. The Dogon say they found the area already inhabited by people they called Tellem and with whom they apparently intermarried. Slender, pole-like figures are believed to reflect the Tellem style, absorbed by the Dogon.

Lowe Art Museum

Gift of Alan Potamkin, 2007. 48.17