Final answer:
The Gwantigi figure is a wooden sculpture made by the Dogon people of Mali, embodying spiritual significance and craftsmanship of the Dogon blacksmiths, with both male and female elements representing sacred spirits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gwantigi or male figure associated with the Gwan society is in fact a wooden figure created by the Dogon people in Mali. This wooden sculpture described as an 'elongated wooden torso with slightly-bent, tubular legs and a right arm that stretches up to steady an object balanced atop his head' is characteristic of the Dogon people's artistic creation. The figure features both male and female elements, as indicated by its prominent male genitalia and pronounced breasts, which, according to Guest Curator Dr. Denise Rogers, adds 'a female element to the overall male characteristics in the figure.'
These sculptures have deep spiritual significance in Dogon culture. They are not merely aesthetic pieces but are manifestations of sacred spirits acting as conduits between the heavenly and earthly realms. The Dogon blacksmiths, revered for their power to transform earth, fire, and water, produce these ritual objects that are integral to the ceremonies they oversee.
Dogon art often reflects the syncretism of their religious traditions with other faiths, including Islam and Christianity. The artwork is primarily made from natural materials like wood and holds great importance within the cultural and religious practices of the Dogon peoples, who settled in present-day Mali during the 13th century.