Bird mask carved of wood and painted. The mask has a two sunken rectangular spaces, with zigzag side edges, cutout domed eyes, and pointed ears. The mask is painted with an orange-brown and a red-brown. On top stands a bird figure, with its head down and beak attached to the top of the mask. The bird's back and wings exposed. There is twisted plant fibre cord woven into a partial net attached at the back of the mask.

• History Of Use

  Masks are heavily intertwined with Dogon rituals, including the Dama ceremony which revolves around death. Dama ceremonies are a public performance that escort nyama (spirit) into the afterlife. The Dama ceremony lasts six days. During the ceremony, the mask society performs in the village plaza and on the terrace of the deceased’s house. Dogon masks represent a variety of humans, mammals, reptiles, birds, objects, and abstract objects. Over time, mask performances have preserved their post-burial rites purposes, but have taken on a diverse set of reasons that may warrant masquerade performances.

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• Type of Item mask
• Culture Dogon
• Material wood, paint, plant fibre
• Measurements height 85.0 cm, width 23.0 cm, depth 26.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Mali

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3420/0017