19th C. Mali Dogon Wood Mourning Figures, Dyougou Serou

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
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• Lot Description
  West Africa, likely Mali, Dogon, ca. 19th century CE. A wooden carving portraying two figures - one male and one female - squatting with their faces buried in their hands, evoking either deep sorrow and mourning. Their gestures symbolize Dyougou Serou, an ancestor from a primordial era when humans were still immortal. According to oral traditions - which vary and are not well documented - Dyougou Serou committed an act of defiance: he stole earth from the sacred field to sow a forbidden seed. This transgression is sometimes described as an incestuous union with his mother, the Earth. Whether taken literally or metaphorically, the violation ushered in disorder into a previously harmonious world. As punishment, Dyougou Serou was the first to die, and his death introduced mortality to humankind. Together, these figures may also serve as mourning couple, embodying collective grief over the origin of death and the disruption of sacred order. Size: 11.5" W x 23" H (29.2 cm x 58.4 cm); 24.5" H (62.2 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193738

  Condition

  Heavy weathering form exposure to elements. Chips and small losses to chin and other high pointed areas. Abrasions and stable fissures. Nice patina.
• Shipping Info

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