Hermaphrodite “Tellem” Figure on Animal

This extraordinary sculpture is of a type rarely seen in Dogon Art. The figure is clearly a hermaphrodite - having breasts and a beard – is naked and has both arms raised. Riding a peculiar dog-like animal. Dogon mythology tells of a dog who found water during a drought. Since the raised arm gesture is believed to be associated with rain, this type of icon, with both a dog and raised arms, is likely connected to supplication rites or prayers for rain. The surface of this enigmatic sculpture is dry, cracked in parts, and with darkened areas from repeated offerings.
Height: 14 in. (35.6 cm.)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)

DG016

A closely related example, height 36.5 cm., is in the Musse de l’Homme, Paris and is attributed by Leloup to circa 15th/16th century. Another example is in the Koenig collection, Switzerland.