Bird Mask Item Number: K2.439 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask surmounted by a bird and painted with dots and geometrics in natural ochre shades. The mask has downward pointing triangular cut out eyes, and is framed by a projecting three-ridged feature. There are small ear-like projections at the top sides of the lower face. The bird is frontal facing with a brown crest and is attached to the top of the mask at its feet. Paper label attached to interior.
History Of Use
This mask features an ostrich at the top, symbolizing the bird that the Dogon associate with the hogon. Hogons are the supreme religious and political leaders of every region in Dogon country, they are considered the priests of Lebe. Oftentimes, ostriches are raised by the hogon prior to riding them as part of their initiation rituals. Masks are heavily intertwined with Dogon rituals, including the Dama ceremony which revolves around death. Dama ceremonies are a public performance that escort nyama (spirit) into the afterlife. The Dama ceremony lasts six days. During the ceremony, the mask society performs in the village plaza and on the terrace of the deceased’s house. Dogon masks represent a variety of humans, mammals, reptiles, birds, objects, and abstract objects.
Item History
- Made in Mali during 1935
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- Dogon
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Mali
When
- Creation Date
- during 1935
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0160/0122