Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

African Dagari Ancestor Figure

$1,880
£1,424.64
€1,641.74
CA$2,658.84
A$2,859.36
CHF 1,528.90
MX$34,483.05
NOK 19,334.04
SEK 17,615.80
DKK 12,267.41

About the Item

For the Dagari people of Burkina Faso and Ghana, this highly stylized figure embodied the living spirit of a deceased ancestor. Tucked away from view in a secret alcove or shrine, the figure was used in sacred divination rituals and only seen by a select few. Bits of thread and layered material encrust the surface, evidence of the ritual offerings that were applied to the figure to elicit its protective powers. Hand-carved from wood, the figure assumes a traditional reversed “y” shape, minimally articulated save for its pursed lips and pointed chin. We love the austere beauty of its sculptural form as well as the intimate connection between body and spirit that it represents.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Primitive (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: PR03741stDibs: LU820046800892

More From This Seller

View All
Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figure
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
With one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, Yoruba cultures place special social and religious significance on twins, referred to as "emi alagbara" or "powerful spirit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Seated Luba Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Artisans from the Luba tribe were renowned for the organic flow of their carving style. This example clearly shows the smooth transition from aspect to aspect, maintaining a singular...
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Namji Fertility Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Doted on like an actual child, this carved doll was once owned by a young girl among the Namji people of northwest Cameroon. Carted around by its owner wherever she went and lovingly...
Category

Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Painted Baule Blolo Bla Figure
By Baule Tribe
Located in Chicago, IL
The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to repr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Bambara Ci Wara Headdress Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved to honor the mythical being Ci Wara, a Bambara deity that’s half mortal and half animal, this wooden headdress combines the graceful head and horns of a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Malian Tribal Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

African Bura Stone Funerary Marker
Located in Chicago, IL
This abstract stone sculpture is a funerary marker of the Bura people of the Niger/Mali region. Little is known about the Bura civilization (c. 200 to 1000 AD), but it shares many of...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Nigerien Primitive Mounted Objects

Materials

Stone

You May Also Like

Collection of Dagari Spirit Figures From Burkina Faso
Located in Hudson, NY
This impressive collection of four carved wood figures are from the landlocked African country of Burkina Faso. This nation bordered by 6 other countries ...
Category

Vintage 1930s Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Tribal Art Fine Baule figure
Located in London, GB
A fine Baule female figure Standing leaning forward with serene expression with hands on abdomen Period: early 20th century Condition: Old Insect holes and minor damage Measures: H ...
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Bwami Initiation Statue, Lega People, early 20th Century
Located in CA, CA
The smooth, dark patina of this small, carefully shaped, male, wooden initiation statue from the early 20th century, by the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflects ...
Category

Vintage 1910s Congolese Tribal Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Lobi sculpture
Located in grand Lancy, CH
A Lobi sculpture with nice patina and nice style
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Akua ba Ritual Fertility Doll
Located in Kastrup, DK
Carved wood Akuaba, sometimes known as an Ashanti doll or a Fanti doll. Untouched condition with a beautiful natural age-related patina. Akua'ba (sometim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Old Antique Lobi Wooden Female Figure Sculpture Produced in Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century Lobi folk tribal art female figure wooden sculpture produced in Burkina Faso, Africa by anonymous designer in the 1940s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H:...
Category

Vintage 1940s Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood