Skills of the Blacksmith | An Equestrian Staff
Equestrian figures hold great importance in the Dogon religion, but metal objects such as this also demonstrate the skill of their blacksmiths. Dogon blacksmiths are believed to have immense power as the first Blacksmith is said to have given mankind moveable joints. Even replicating a blacksmith's tools into miniatures that are worn on a chain can transfer his vigor and energy to the wearer. Items like this staff are possibly made with a process called African Lost-Wax casting. A firm, but meltable, medium (beeswax or latex) is carved with the object's design. Clay is then layered over this composition and allowed to dry. The clay is fired, melting the material inside, but leaving the outline of the item inside. Liquid metal is then poured into the mold and once it is cooled, it is broken away to reveal the object underneath. This is a method that had been known to West African sculptors long before European presence and influence.
Dogon/Mali culture
ca. 19th/20th century
Metal, possibly iron
2008.2.20