The Dogon are an ethnic group indigenous to the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa, south of the Niger bend, near the city of Bandiagara, and in Burkina Faso. Held in the hand or worn over the shoulder, this curved staff is the emblem of the Dogon society of yona (ritual thieves). The principal activity of the society seems to occur at the funeral of one of its members, stealing domestic animals to be sacrificed and eaten at the funeral ceremony. Each Dogon clan has a ritual thief. The staffs are called yo domolo (thief's staff ), and frequently have a hook-shaped form.
wood
2.5in
28in
9.25in
Mali
Mali
donation
March 2019
Austin Friends of Folk Art