Unique, Unusual & Vintage Hand-Carved African 'Dogon' Animal Mask -- Mali

Description

Dogon Animal Mask – Mali  ***
Hand-Carved Vintage Wooden Antique African Dogon Animal Mask with Distinctive Markings and Shape
The Dogon, one of Africa’s most spiritual people, are mainly found in eastern Mali near the arid and imposing Bandiagara Cliffs region chosen because of its inaccessibility to horseback invaders. Also, isolated Dogon villages are found in Burkina Faso along the Malian border near Djibo.
With over 80 styles of masks, what stands out is their geometric shapes embodying various animals such as this particular mask with its triangular, conic shape and large geometric eyes set off by its stylized hook nose.
The Dogon are known for their elaborate funeral rituals with masked dancers called ‘Dama.’
These death ceremonies, with up to 400 dancers, are held to send off the dead by creating a bridge into the supernatural world and restoring order to the universe.
Dogon masks in these events evoke the form of animals associated with their mythology.
Wearing these strange and very beautiful masks, the Dogon warriors imitate the mask animal during ritual dancing ceremonies -- in this mask’s case, maybe a rooster.
This superb hand-carved Dogon Animal Mask was crafted from a single piece of wood with many side holes to tie it on during dancing rituals and the distinct odor of smoke leads one to believe that it was well-used.
The well-crafted piece with only insignificant age-related wear is in great cond
ition.
Features
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Dimensions
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20th-Century creation
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10 Inches Long
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For use as wall décor or rituals
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4 Inches Wide
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Features a rustic, bold finish
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4 Inches Deep
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Hand-crafted item
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5 oz.
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Made in Mali
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