Tellem Janus Horse Antique African Headrest Dogon Mali

An Early Tellem Janus Horse Burial Headrest, Incised Designs
Antique African Art - Tribal Funerary Sculpture Prestige Object - Mali

Collected from the: Dogon peoples in the Sanga region of Mali, West Africa - production and use has been archaeologically attributed to the Tellem
Material: Carved wood, fine encrustation throughout
Period: Estimated at 11th to 13th century, please see explanation following photos
Dimensions: 12" length, 5" height, 4" width; weight is 1.20 pounds
Condition: Excellent. Held in a private Parisian collection, the condition of this exquisite specimen remains unchanged since it's late 1940's field acquisition, remarkably well preserved and intact, age cracks test stable with no evidence of any repair, very fine encrustation of lengthy burial throughout. Make special note of the beautifully incised serpent patterns across the upper platform and both sides of center column, combined with the horse's serene facial expressions and overall surface condition and coloring render this headrest a very special treasure to behold !

Please to fully appreciate this important old headrest!