The Dogon people are one of the most celebrated and fascinating tribes in all of Africa. They live in villages that are situated on cliffs in Northern and Eastern Mali. Dogon ladders, used to gain entrance into cliff side dwellings, statuettes of Dogon Primordial ancestor couples and Dogon granary doors are held in high acclaim throughout the world. The Dogon do however create a wide variety of masks; over seventy are known though few are privy to their actual ritualistic purpose. This knowledge is held by tribal elders and passed on to the village members during highly engaging ceremonies. One of the most famous masks known to outsiders is the towering wooden 'Kanaga' mask which has become a symbol of the Mali republic. The Kanaga consists of a face mask with a long center post jutting up from the top. The post is crossed left to right by two short bars. The cross bars each have two smaller wooden slats referred to as ‘arms’. The lower bar has two arms pointing downwards (symbolizing to some man and earth) while the top bar features two arms pointing upwards (symbolizing the sky and heavens). Dogon dancers perform with kanaga masks at 'Dama' ceremonies which honor and commemorate the dead. Lore has it that the mask represents a bird known as kommolo tebu. Its origin is traced back to a mythical hunter who, having killed one of these birds, fabricated the first kanaga mask in its likeness. When the Damas celebration takes place the entire village is involved. Not only do the dancers wear the Kanaga but ordinary citizens display the masks that have been in their families for years as a show of support and tribal pride. Our mask is a wonderful authentic selection with worn areas from usage but the black, creamy white and blue pigmnetation is still pronounce and the mask itself very sturdy. Enjoy!

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Dimensions: 26 1/2 inches tall x 17 inches from its widest point x 3 1/2 inches deep.

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