Mask - Wood - Dama - DOGON - Mali

Among the Dogon, the society of masks is named Awa. This masculine society is very hierarchical: the most important members are the initiates who have assisted to two Sigi ceremonies, which only take place every 60 years, then come those who have assisted to one Sigi, and then the younger ones. Masks are mainly used for funerary ceremonies named Dama, which occur every five years. These will represent animals (antelope, monkey, hare, birds, reptiles) , figures (notables, Hogon priests, forgers. . .) or strangers (the Fulani, the Bozo, Europeans. . .) and material things (a house with several floors, an altar) . After having been used, the masks are stored in rocky shelters, located near the village. This anthropomorphic mask is topped by a seated miniaturised woman. An aquiline nose, eyes in triangles. Raw style, specific to the Dogon. Dense wood. Dry patina of wear.