Parthian Style Marble Female Dignitary

Plaque with incuse image, bearded figure in calf-length robe wielding a harpe, standing on the back of a crocodile. 1.78 grams, 20 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.

Iron flat-section shaft with three tiered cross-bars, the two lowest each with five iron lamp-bowls to the forward face; above, a U-shaped bar with a lamp bowl at each upper end; top of the shaft developing to an anthropomorphic torso with ellipsoid head and two narrow arms raised vertically; chain around the neck with hand-forged extinguishing spoon; mounted on a square base; Dogon, Mali, workmanship. 6.25 kg total, 132 cm including stand



From the private collection of Dr Hans-Joachim Koloss, Berlin, Germany, 1975-2002. Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, auction 279, no.410. Accompanied by a copy of the Gorny & Mosch invoice and illustrated catalogue listing. Accompanied by a copy of the German cultural export licence.

The figure is probably a Nommo, a primordial ancestral spirit in Dogon cosmogony. A Nommo is usually considered to be amphibious, hermaphroditic and fish-like. They are typically depicted in Dogon art with a humanoid upper torso, and a fish-like lower torso and tail.

With flat discoid base, arms bent with hands on hips, body decorated with incised necklace; face with prominent pinched nose, applied discoid eyes. 53 grams, 96 mm

Fine condition.

Ex Swiss collection; acquired 1980s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.