Monkey mask - Dogon - Mali

The masked tradition of the Dogon of Mali, settled on the Bandiagara Plateau, constitutes one of the richest corpora of African art. Animal-form masks occupy a central place there, in both their morphological diversity and their ceremonial role. The pioneering ethnography of Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen notably documented this complexity.

Several types stand out. The walu mask, depicting an antelope, evokes a cosmogonical myth in which this animal was entrusted by Amma to protect the primordial field from the ravages of the pale fox yurugu. The bongo mask, representing the buffalo, embodies strength and ferocity; it appears during the funeral dances of the dama. The dyommo mask, with a hare’s head, recalls cunning and vulnerability. The nâba mask, crocodile-shaped, refers to the primal waters and fertility. Ornithomorphic masks — birds, pelicans — symbolize the mediation between earth and sky.

The primary use of these masks lies in the dama, a funeral rite designed to guide the soul of the deceased (kikinu) to the world of the ancestors. Each animal, through its mythical attributes, helps restore the cosmic order unsettled by death. Beyond the funeral function, these masks also participate in agricultural and initiatory ceremonies, ensuring the regeneration of the bond between the living, the ancestors, and the universe created by Amma.

Presentation of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and in neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often proposed without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping is guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking. Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.