book chapter

African art of the Dogon: the myths of the cliff dwellers

Brooklyn Museum in association with the Viking PressNew York • Published In 1973 • Pages: 60, [71]

By: Laude, Jean, Brooklyn Museum.

Abstract
This is an analysis of Dogon works of art which were included in the 1973 exhibition organized by The Brooklyn Museum. The author attempts to dispel the idea that such art can be understood apart from the history and culture of the artists or “producers.” Rather, the Dogon sculptures contained in this book, which are mainly wood carvings, serve as the chief vehicle for documenting Dogon cosmogony and Dogon concepts regarding their origins and genealogies. The same objects, which are related to important ritual ceremonies, detail both ordinary activities and reveal the society's mythology. These works also illustrate Dogon perceptions of their social organization and their interrelations among themselves and with outsiders. Thus Dogon sculptures pertain to both daily life and to mythical events simultaneously. The author attempts to distinguish authentic Dogon styles and themes from their predecessors, but he makes it clear that it is not always possible to establish the influence of intercultural contacts in all of the works photographed.
Subjects
Decorative art
Representative art
culture
Dogon
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Art Historian
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; Delores Walters ; 1987
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1931-1972
Coverage Place
Bandiagara Circle, Mopti Region, Mali
Notes
Jean Laude [Translation by Joachim Neugroschel] Foreword by Lester Wunderman
Issued in connection with an exhibition of L. Wunderman's private collection of Dogon art, organized by the Brooklyn Museum in 1973
Because of poor quality, many graphics are not included
Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-131)
LCCN
72012060
LCSH
Dogons (African people)