Bird Mask

Item number K2.439 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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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.