Togu Na Post
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Togu na are essentially shelters, consisting of carved posts, such as this one, which support wooden beams piled with layers of millet stalks. The thick roof of millet stalks absorbs the heat of the sun, providing a cool refuge during the hottest part of the day. This post's decoration is minimal, with breasts that refer to the nurturing power of women and a lizard that, in Dogan culture, symbolizes femininity. The togu na is one of the most important buildings in any Dogon village. It serves as a meeting place for men who make important decisions affecting the community.
Caption
Dogon. Togu Na Post, 19th century. Wood, 48 x 16 1/2 x 7 in. (121.8 x 41.8 x 17.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Eugene and Harriet Becker, 1991.226.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1991.226.1_bw.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Togu Na Post
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Seno Plain, Mopti Region, Mali
Medium
Wood
Classification
Dimensions
48 x 16 1/2 x 7 in. (121.8 x 41.8 x 17.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Eugene and Harriet Becker
Accession Number
1991.226.1
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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