Large Dogon Tellem Mali Wood Statue: Vintage African Art - 44" tall

A stunning piece of workmanship, at 44” this Dogon Tellem sculpture is much taller than many I have seen online. Carved with meticulous detail out of a dense wood with red tones, the elongated geometric elements add to the beauty of this majestic piece. It is in superb condition/museum quality and would be an amazing addition to someone’s collection.
On the left shoulder one can see where a tree branch once met the trunk.
Approximately 44” tall with a 5.5x5.5” base.
Weight: 15 lb, 3.5 oz.
There are some cracks in the wood in the buttocks, legs, and base that were caused by the wood drying out, but the cracks are not deep enough to cause structural issues.
I am unclear of its exact age, but it came from the estate of an antique dealer that had it and some other amazing African art pieces in storage for 20-25 years. Most of the pieces have been identified as coming from the Mali region. (I will be posting as I find appropriate shipping boxes.)
I do not think my pictures do this piece justice and I am also limited in the number of pictures I can upload in the listing, but contact me if you would like to see additional pictures of specific areas.
From the National Gallery:
“Dogon art draws its themes from myths, the complex integrity of which governs the life of both the community and the individual. The god Amma, the supreme creator of the universe embodying the life forces, plays an essential role in the religious ideas of the people of this tribe. …
A common image in Dogon art is the hermaphroditic deity Amma, represented by characteristic gestures symbolising the various phases of the creation of the world. Hands raised high above the head signify persistent prayer to send rain over the dry earth. This type of sculptures is interpreted as a connecting element between the visible and invisible worlds. The people of the tribe believe that, by paying their deep respect to them, they will be rewarded with health, fertile land and protection. The wooden sculptures are distinguished by their simplicity and stylisation of form, which enhances their monumental impact. Clearly outlined, elongated geometric elements create a dense silhouette, creating a sense of gravity and at the same time emanating a feeling of majestic presence. The individual parts of the abstractly moulded bodies are subject to strict symmetry. These images are stylistically reminiscent of the mythical wooden figures made by the ancient Tellem group, discovered in the thirteenth century by the Dogon in small carved chambers in the caves on the slopes of Bandiagara.” - https://africadirect.com/products/dogon-tellem-statue-mali-143243

Most items in my shop are vintage and are not brand new and come from estate sales. The items may show minor age-related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture (please be sure to check photos carefully as they are part of the description). I do my best to describe any imperfections. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

ETSY charges individual packages usually on shipping. If you purchase more than 1 item, I will refund any overpaid postage when shipped. Thank you for looking.