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Dama Ndiaye
Additional Information: An interesting mask with an abstract face surmounted with a standing hermaphrodite figure holding a bowl on head. &,#160,The surface of this mask is covered with an encrusted patina. This seemingly well used mask falls into the category of white monkey masks strongly represented in the mainstream of Dogon masks. Three different Monkey Masks are identified among the Dogon differentiated primarily by their color and not the shape. Different shapes reflect local carving traditions while color reflects the greater Dogon identification. Dogon identify the different monkeys by a specific name related to a color. Dege refers to the 'black' monkey, the red monkey known as Ko and the white monkey called Omono. Among the Dogon the monkey mask reflects the 'wild' side of mankind, uncivilized, antisocial and dangerous. The dance and conduct of the masks while being danced reflect the reverse of what a solid upstanding Dogon man is considered to be as a hardworking agriculturalist. The monkey mask is the negative mirror of human behavior. Living along the Bandiagara escarpment in Mali the Dogon are well known for their spectacular and dramatic funerary rituals and the various masks that appear during ceremonies. The funerary rituals known as Dama are presented by initiated males, members of the men s secret society known as Awa, who dance the masks that give life and form to Dogon myths. The dancing of the masks celebrate the life of the deceased while at the same time serves to equally guide the new ancestor out of the village so that the spirit of the deceased cannot harm the living. A number of human and animal masks appear each with a different sculptural form and identity reflecting Dogon mythology, cosmology to give sculptural shape to Dogon understanding of the world of the living. Such masks would dance during funerary rituals, Dama. Recommended Reading: Francine Ndiaye, L'ART DU PAYS DOGON, Musee de l'Homme, Paris Kate Ezra, ART OF THE DOGON, The Metropolitan Museum of Art I have examined this piece and agree with the description Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.