Staff (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The Dogon have a variety of hooked staffs and symbolic adzes (carving tools). Some relate to ritual; others to blacksmithing. Staffs like this one are carried with the hooked part resting on the person’s shoulder.
The specific use or ownership of this wooden staff is uncertain. However, in Dogon myths, when the original blacksmith descended to earth, he used a granary to transport mankind, animals, grain, and technology. He also stole a piece of the sun to bring fire to the earth. During its rapid descent from heaven, the granary crashed to earth, scattering its contents and breaking the blacksmith’s arms and legs. Before this event, his limbs had been straight and stiff, without elbows or knees. But now, his broken limbs had joints, andthese were passed on to his heirs, enabling them to dance and to work. Distinct elbows and knees can be seen in the two figures carved on this staff.
In another version of Dogon myth, the celestial ark, which contained all of life, fell to Earth and was then pulled to water by a horse or antelope. The mouth and eyes at the bend in this staff may refer to the animal that pulled the ark of life.
The specific use or ownership of this wooden staff is uncertain. However, in Dogon myths, when the original blacksmith descended to earth, he used a granary to transport mankind, animals, grain, and technology. He also stole a piece of the sun to bring fire to the earth. During its rapid descent from heaven, the granary crashed to earth, scattering its contents and breaking the blacksmith’s arms and legs. Before this event, his limbs had been straight and stiff, without elbows or knees. But now, his broken limbs had joints, andthese were passed on to his heirs, enabling them to dance and to work. Distinct elbows and knees can be seen in the two figures carved on this staff.
In another version of Dogon myth, the celestial ark, which contained all of life, fell to Earth and was then pulled to water by a horse or antelope. The mouth and eyes at the bend in this staff may refer to the animal that pulled the ark of life.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
African Exhibition. Flint Arts Center. Lynchburg, VA. 29 April - 8 May 1979.
“The Art of Black Africa.” Flint, Michigan: Flint Institute of Arts. 8 February – 5 April 1970.
“The Art of Black Africa.” Flint, Michigan: Flint Institute of Arts. 8 February – 5 April 1970.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
