The Art Of The Dogon

Lester Wunderman, who lived among the Dogon peoples of Mali in Africa, donated a large collection of Dogon sculpture to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This interesting overview focuses on some of the pieces in the collection, and examines them in terms of the culture and rituals of the Dogon. A deeply religious people, the Dogon are seen performing the "dama," a ritual rejuvenation dance conducted once every 10-15 years. A hunter-gatherer society, the Dogon also carry on a rudimentary agricultural system in a rather arid land. Many of the figures sculpted by the Dogon have their arms outstretched towards the heavens, and one possibility suggested by scholars is that the pose is one of supplication to the gods for rain. Another feature of the Dogon sculpture is its multi-layered rough texture, resulting from many layers of animal blood, milk, and other fluids which are used to anoint the ritualistic figures. An intriguing look at Dogon life and art, this inexpensive and nicely packaged documentary is recommended. (Available from: Films Inc., 5547 N. Ravenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640-1199.)