The Dogon tribe has one of the richest masking
traditions in Africa, remarkable both for the
diversity of forms as well as the variety of
functions. This mask, representing an animal,
was likely worn to mark the dama ceremony.
Held every five years, the dama ceremony
restored order to the universe and honored the
passage of the deceased into the realm of the
ancestors. Masquerading dancers, numbering up
to four hundred, were considered an integral
aspect of the festivities. Thus, the types of
masks would surely have been equally as
numerous. Among the most famous dama
masks are the walu, a type that depicts a
mythical antelope. Although this mask shares
many features with a typical walu mask, missing
are the upright horn protrusions that would
identify this animal as an antelope. Instead, this
mask might depict a monkey. The triangular-
shaped eyes, prominently recessed brow, and
long linear nose are all characteristic of Dogon
mask. The small, rounded ears and long,
tapering mouth suggest the simean
identification. Most likely, this mask would have
been related to a myth or parable involving the
monkey. No doubt this myth in turn would relate
to death and the passage of life, therefore
making it an appropriate part of the dama
ceremony.
- (PF.6159)
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