This is a very rare old wood sculpture of a Female ancestor, Dogon Peoples, Mali , West Africa.Carved wood with a well weathered surface suggesting use over many years. The figure features a female with elaborate scarification along the arms, face, and chest. I am certain that there is some esoteric mystery to this pose we will likely never understand, but it is a remarkable example of the style and form and likely relates to ancestor worship.Sculptures such as this were traditionally placed on personal or village shrines and acted as a medium to the spirit world. The owner could call on the ancestor spirits for help with a number of maladies, including infertility. The figure itself measures 26 inches tall ( 29 inches on professional custom display stand)

Fair, well weathered