Togu Na Post
Arts of Africa
The togu na shelter is not only a venue for men to discuss the affairs of the village, but is also seen as a place where the spirits of the deceased interact with the living for the well-being and protection of the village. The representation of breasts on these posts is a reminder of the nurturing role that women play in the community, as well as a reference to human fertility.
MEDIUM
Wood
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
92 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (235 x 67.3 x 16.5 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
1993.179.2
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lorenz
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Tall, narrow, rectangularly shaped length of wood, forked at upper end. Four protruding breasts, in two groups of 2, carved 57" from bottom of post. Group of breasts: 5" high, 5" wide, 2 3/4 " deep. Forked portion approx. 13" long. CONDITION: Surface dirt and cracking throughout. Prominent crack beneath one side of breasts. Wood blackened on upper portion (45" from bottom and up). Worn and pitted at upper part of lighter portion (34" - 35" from bottom).
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Dogon. Togu Na Post, 19th century. Wood, 92 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (235 x 67.3 x 16.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lorenz, 1993.179.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1993.179.2_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1993.179.2_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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