Dogon People, Mali, Walu (Antelope) Mask: Carved wood, heavily patinated with remnants of ochre, black and white pigments, On the back, some fiber rope attachments remain from its former costume. Late 19th/ early 20th century
The mask features an abstracted rectangular face divided into two symmetrical sections, with square eye holes cut into the deeply recessed areas. The back is hollowed, its top edge lined with incised holes for a rope-net attachment for securing the mask to the head of a dancer. Above, two tall abstracted horns are flanked by two stylized ears.
The Walu mask, like other Dogon masks, appeared at festivities marking the end of a period of mourning, and at the Sigi festival held every six decades to celebrate the history and mythical creation of the Dogon people.
Dimensions: 33H x 9.5W x 7.75D (inches)
Provenance: From the private collection of a Massachusetts Gentleman.
The mask features an abstracted rectangular face divided into two symmetrical sections, with square eye holes cut into the deeply recessed areas. The back is hollowed, its top edge lined with incised holes for a rope-net attachment for securing the mask to the head of a dancer. Above, two tall abstracted horns are flanked by two stylized ears.
The Walu mask, like other Dogon masks, appeared at festivities marking the end of a period of mourning, and at the Sigi festival held every six decades to celebrate the history and mythical creation of the Dogon people.
Dimensions: 33H x 9.5W x 7.75D (inches)
Provenance: From the private collection of a Massachusetts Gentleman.