Full Size Dogon Doors

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The Dogon people of Mali are among the oldest surviving African cultures despite the fact that throughout their existence more powerful neighbors have threatened them. For protection, until about 300 years ago the Dogon built their villages near or in the famous Bandiagara cliffs. They have thusly been nicknamed the Hill, Cliff and Mountain people. Dogon art manifests in masks, architectural objects, statues and vessels. The Dogon realize that they are not the first inhabitants of the land that they now occupy. Their myths, legends, traditions and art retain the memories of their predecessors. The Dogon people of Mali are known the world over for their creation of Dogon Doors. The doors have various uses in their society; first as the physical closure to their granaries. Secondly they are created and exchanged as gifts for birthdays, marriages, tokens of luck and rites of passage bequests. Thirdly, when used as a part of the architecture, as a door or shutter, in a private abode, through the use of symbols they are used to describe the occupation of the person or that persons persona or status in the village. Lastly it served as a sign to taxpayers, letting them know which form of payment was accepted in the adjoining building. The symbolic styling of the doors can vary. Pairs of breasts, representing femininity and fertility are usually found. Village dancers wearing the famed rabbit eared Walu mask or the tall Kanaga headdress typically underline the bottom of the door. The Kanaga masks are worn by members of the Awa Society who dance on the roof of the deceased in order to lead the soul (nyama) to its resting place as well as defending the survivors from the harm a wandering soul might inflict upon them. A herringbone pattern can often be found running down the sides of the door representing the vibration of water and light. The door latch is surmounted by one or two larger figures who are members of the famed founding primordial couple. Other themes include but are not limited to village scenes, warriors on horseback, animal figures, gecko lizards which represent luck, large crocodiles which denote power and rows and rows of raised Dogon ancestor figures that all resemble each other. Please click photo for enlargement!

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Dimensions: This door measured 72 1/2 inches tall x 74 1/2 inches tall including the hinges x 32 inches wide. The full size Dogon door can range in height from about 72-80 inches tall x 32-38 inches wide.

Wt: Special cost saving shipping will apply.

Back view

Nice back. No damage. Please click photo for enlargement!

Top

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Middle section

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Lower section

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Door lock

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Full Size Dogon Door "C"

****5/1/12: This item will be on display at:

"Indigenous Peoples and Food Sovereignty"

An exhibition in recognition of Indigenous Peoples on the occasion of the Eleventh Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Visitor's Lobby, General Assembly Building, UN Headquarters, NYC

May 8 - June 29, 2012 ****

This is an older thicker traditionally drawn door that is in excellent condition!

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Dimensions: 88 inches tall x 37 inches across.

Shipping: This door will arrive to you in a crate. The shipping cost will be calculated depending on the shipping method. Please contact us at 646 271 9995 for details or email us.

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