DOGON TRIBAL STAFF

 Description

A Toguna support post from the Dogon tribe of Mali, dating from the early to mid-20th century, mounted on a custom metal stand. This hand-carved wooden post from West Africa was originally used to support the “Toguna,” a shelter where the Dogon tribe’s councilors gathered, while the lower part was buried underground and the characteristic “Y”-shaped top supported the upper rafters (these structures were designed to be low to the ground to take advantage of cooler temperatures and prevent men from adopting aggressive postures during heated debates). This rustic carved wooden beam has a beautiful antique patina. It has been prominently displayed, standing upright, as it would have been in the days when it served as a support post for the Toguna, on a custom-made square iron base. This beautiful architectural post from Mali, approximately 2.5 meters tall, would make a wonderful piece of African art displayed in a living room, office, or entryway.