#tellem

Female Figure, Tellem, 1001, Art Institute of Chicago: Arts of Africa

Raised arms, pared-down forms, and crusty patinas are considered the hallmarks of the Tellem sculptural style. This figure’s pose has been interpreted as a plea for rain. Placed on an altar, it would have received offerings of sacrifices, resulting in the thick coating that imbued it with a vital energy. The Tellem, who occupied the arid region of the Bandiagara Escarpment from the 11th to the 16th century, are believed to be predecessors of contemporary Dogon people. Gift of Grace Hokin Size: 49.2 × 6.7 × 6.9 cm (19 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) Medium: Wood and sacrificial material

Female Figure, Tellem, 1001, Art Institute of Chicago: Arts of Africa

Raised arms, pared-down forms, and crusty patinas are considered the hallmarks of the Tellem sculptural style. This figure’s pose has been interpreted as a plea for rain. Placed on an altar, it would have received offerings of sacrifices, resulting in the thick coating that imbued it with a vital energy. The Tellem, who occupied the arid region of the Bandiagara Escarpment from the 11th to the 16th century, are believed to be predecessors of contemporary Dogon people. Gift of Grace Hokin Size: 49.2 × 6.7 × 6.9 cm (19 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) Medium: Wood and sacrificial material

Female Figure, Tellem, 1001, Art Institute of Chicago: Arts of Africa

Raised arms, pared-down forms, and crusty patinas are considered the hallmarks of the Tellem sculptural style. This figure’s pose has been interpreted as a plea for rain. Placed on an altar, it would have received offerings of sacrifices, resulting in the thick coating that imbued it with a vital energy. The Tellem, who occupied the arid region of the Bandiagara Escarpment from the 11th to the 16th century, are believed to be predecessors of contemporary Dogon people. Gift of Grace Hokin Size: 49.2 × 6.7 × 6.9 cm (19 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) Medium: Wood and sacrificial material

Female Figure, Tellem, 1001, Art Institute of Chicago: Arts of Africa

Raised arms, pared-down forms, and crusty patinas are considered the hallmarks of the Tellem sculptural style. This figure’s pose has been interpreted as a plea for rain. Placed on an altar, it would have received offerings of sacrifices, resulting in the thick coating that imbued it with a vital energy. The Tellem, who occupied the arid region of the Bandiagara Escarpment from the 11th to the 16th century, are believed to be predecessors of contemporary Dogon people. Gift of Grace Hokin Size: 49.2 × 6.7 × 6.9 cm (19 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) Medium: Wood and sacrificial material

Female Figure, Tellem, 1001, Art Institute of Chicago: Arts of Africa

Raised arms, pared-down forms, and crusty patinas are considered the hallmarks of the Tellem sculptural style. This figure’s pose has been interpreted as a plea for rain. Placed on an altar, it would have received offerings of sacrifices, resulting in the thick coating that imbued it with a vital energy. The Tellem, who occupied the arid region of the Bandiagara Escarpment from the 11th to the 16th century, are believed to be predecessors of contemporary Dogon people. Gift of Grace Hokin Size: 49.2 × 6.7 × 6.9 cm (19 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) Medium: Wood and sacrificial material