Male Figure with Raised Arms

Dogon blacksmith

14th–17th century

Male Figure with Raised Arms by Dogon blacksmith

Medium

Wood, patina

Dimensions

H. 82 7/8 x W. 14 1/4 x D. 8 3/8 in. (210.5 x 36.2 x 21.3 cm)

Classification

Wood-Sculpture

Culture

Dogon peoples

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969

Accession Number

1978.412.322

Tags

Male Nudes

Art Historical Context

This striking wooden sculpture, titled *Male Figure with Raised Arms*, was crafted by a Dogon blacksmith between the14th and 17th centuries. Hailing from the Dogon peoples of Mali in West Africa, it stands an impressive 82⅞ inches tall, carved from wood and developed a rich patina over centuries of ritual use. Dogon blacksmiths held a revered status in their society, often channeling mystical forces into their works, blending ironworking prowess with woodworking to create objects imbued with spiritual power. The figure's dynamic pose—nude male form with arms raised—exemplifies Dogon abstract ...

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