African Dogon/Bambara Iron Oil Lamp from Mali with Black Metal Stand

Ritual oil lamp from the Dogon/Bambara Peoples of West Africa. Crafted by a blacksmith of forged iron with three trays for burning the oil from the Karite tree (known as Tulu). It has a central post, and a u-shaped arm supporting two trays with arrow like projections on each side. The central post also has an abstract u-shaped form at the upper portion and pieces are attached with rivets which would indicate colonial period manufacture.

Lamps such as these are used by both the Dogon and Bambara peoples and ones of simple form such as this example are impossible to distinguish from which tribe it comes from. Early, more elaborate lamps for example from the Bambara/Bamana peoples, typically depict a horse and rider or female figure, whereas figurative lamps from the Dogon region most often depict a single male figure known as the Hogon, who is the spiritual leader of the tribe.

Very decorative and genuine example of tribal art. Use it as a freestanding sculptural design object or a piece to hold votive candles. With its abstract design, aged and oxidized patina, and custom museum mount newly powder coated in flat black, it would make it a great addition to a variety of spaces from an entry or a great room to a hallway. This piece will complement interior settings from Wabi Sabi to Boho, or Eclectic to Modern.

Place of Origin: Mali  

Date of Manufacture: 1940s

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Staff: 34.5 in. H (Total), 10 in. H (Top Decorative Portion) X 9 in. Diam.

Base: 7 in. L X 7 in. W X .25 in. H / Total: 35 in. H