Dogon Figural Brass Spoon Mali

Overall Condition: Good to fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Casting flaws and missing arm. See photos for details.

A brass spoon with a nommo figure from the Dogon people.

Brass and iron figures are identified with Dogon myths of creation, as the blacksmith was one of the first primordial beings known as Nommo created by Ama who is one of the major Dogon deities. The identity between the Nommo and the blacksmith creates a bond and an identity that gives the blacksmith special powers which include the ability to call down rain so important in Dogon life. Metal objects would be placed in the Binu sanctuary, a sacred shelter where the Dogon keep objects of magical importance. These objects have special meaning for the Dogon for they blend symbol and a powerful aesthetic in a very abstract image.

DL0423