This remarkable Dege mask is an exquisite representation of Dogon craftsmanship from Mali, showcasing both the cultural significance and ritualistic importance of the mask in Dogon traditions. Carved from wood and decorated with natural pigments in earthy tones like blue, red, and white, this mask is distinguished by the figure of a monkey perched atop it, holding a Baobab fruit. More than eighty types of Dogon masks are listed, the best known of which are the Kanaga, Sirigé, Satimbé, Walu. Most of them are used by the circumcised initiates of the Awa men's society. Some evoke animals, in reference to the rich cosmogony and mythology of African Dogon art. The 'nyama', the vital force of the mask, is activated by different rituals in order to develop the full magical potential of the object. The Dege mask of the Dogon is one of three types of monkey masks (the other two being the Ko and Omono masks). The monkeys feed on baobab fruit and millet ears that they steal from the fields. Monkeys are referred to in the esoteric language of 'sigui so' as “villains of the wilderness”; a threat to successful crop yields, they are danced as tricksters and nuisances. The Dege mask is typically worn during the Dogon’s Nummo rituals, which are connected to fertility, spiritual protection, and the ancestral spirits. The monkey on top is a symbolic representation of both wisdom and playfulness, often seen in Dogon art as a link between the human world and the spiritual realm. The Baobab fruit that the monkey holds symbolizes life, vitality, and the connection between the earth and the heavens. The Baobab tree itself is considered sacred in many African cultures, especially by the Dogon, as a source of nourishment and spiritual power. Origin: Dogon, Mali Period: 20th Century Material: Wood, natural pigments Condition: Good condition with slight signs of age Carefully packed and insured for shipping