Late 19th Century Detailed Caryatid Dogon Stool

Rising from a circular base with alternating grid and chevron patterns and two reptile motifs on the rim, four pairs of male and female caryatid figures and two curved columns with circular decorations in the middle, grouped around a central column, all supporting the circular seat with two lines of chevron patterns on the rim

The Dogon describe the cosmos as two disks forming the sky and earth connected by a tree. The supporting figures represent the four pairs of nommo twins in their descent from sky to earth. These spiritual beings were involved in the creation of man and culture. The zigzag patterns suggest the path of their descent and flowing water and refer to the symbol of Lébé, the first human and priest who was transformed into a serpent after his death.

Dimensions: 19″ tall x 14″ wide