A Dogon male figure

of overall cylindrical form, holding an iron staff, the helmet shaped head with a beard and worn features; dark grey encrusted surface overall.

Greenwich, Connecticut, The Bruce Museum, Three African Art Traditions: The Art of the Dogon, Fang and Songye, January 31 - April 18, 1999

The Bruce Museum 1999: 15, figure 15

This powerful small sculpture most probably came from the staff of a Hogon or another person of high rank. The Hogon is the oldest direct descendant of the founder of a village and has both chiefly and priestly responsibilities. He is also the conservor of a village history. Cf. Paulme (1940: 25).