Mask - Mali (No reserve price)

Dogon Dyommo polychrome African tribal art. The Dyommo African masks, with hare-curved ears, were intended for young initiates who danced—with agility and suppleness. The dance symbolizes the animal’s cunning in the face of the hunter. The hare is also very present in Dogon tales and myths. The masks were regularly repainted on the occasion of new celebrations. More than 80 types of masks are known among the Dogon, the best known being Kanaga, Sirigé Satimbé, Walu. Most of them are used by the circumcised initiates of the Awa society, during funeral ceremonies. Some depict animals, in reference to the rich mythology of Dogon African art. The "nyama", the mask’s life force, is activated by various rituals in order to develop the object's full magical potential.