This wooden figure is believed to depict a nommo; The Nommo are mythological ancestral spirits (sometimes referred to as deities) worshipped by the Dogon tribe of Mali. Such carvings are attributed by the Dogon to an ancient civilization called the Tellem. 

Such carvings were raised on the graves of notable warriors and hunters. They were sometimes accompanied by notched posts recording the number of animal and human kills. After raised they were left to decay by the graves.

The word Nommos is derived from a Dogon word meaning "tomake one drink." The Nommos are usually described as amphibious, hermaphroditic, fish-like creatures.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.