A beautiful pair of statuettes of male and female ancestors, their arms raised in a posture of imploration characteristic of the great ancient Telm and Dogon arts, and here particularly successful in their proportion and expression of a sense of tension. The style of this couple is singular, distinguished by sculpted lines in relief on the forehead and breasts, as well as a vertical line between the chest and sex of each of these two sculptures. Dogon or Tellem, Mali, pre-18th century Wood, visible (old) wear and tear, very fine old sacrificial and wear patina. H.: 31.5 and 38.5cm Provenance: Alice and Henri Dupont Alice and Henri Dupont Collection, Lille, acquired c. 1960 Passed on by descent