Origin & Sourcing
MyDogon grew out of a personal connection with West Africa and a fascination with the sculptural objects encountered during travels through the region.
Our collection focuses on contemporary decorative objects connected to the artistic traditions of Mali and the wider West African region, with a particular emphasis on forms associated with Dogon visual culture.
SELECTED LOCALLY
Many of the pieces in the MyDogon collection were acquired locally during travel in West Africa. Other objects are sourced through trusted local contacts and craftspeople.
We prefer a personal and small-scale approach to sourcing. Rather than building a catalogue of industrially identical products, we look for objects with individual character — distinctive proportions, interesting surface textures, expressive forms and naturally varied patinas.
CONTEMPORARY OBJECTS
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the objects offered by MyDogon are contemporary decorative pieces. They are not presented as archaeological objects, museum artefacts or antiques.
Dogon artistic traditions have a long and complex history. Contemporary makers continue to work with forms, techniques and visual motifs that have developed across generations, while also producing objects for today's collectors, travellers and interiors.
TRANSPARENT DESCRIPTIONS
We believe that an object's description should reflect what can actually be established about it.
Where specific information about an object's maker, origin or production is known, we include it in the individual product description. Where information cannot be independently verified, we prefer a careful description rather than an unsupported attribution.
The same principle applies to materials. Many West African cast-metal sculptures are commonly described as “African bronze”, although the precise composition can vary between different copper alloys. Where the composition has not been laboratory tested, MyDogon describes the material accordingly.
THE EXACT PIECE
Many objects in our current collection are individually photographed and listed. Where the product page states “You will receive the exact piece shown in the photographs”, the photographs form part of the individual description of that object.
This allows you to see its particular patina, proportions, casting variations and handmade details before it becomes part of your own space.