Bird Mask Item Number: 3420/17 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bird mask carved of wood and painted. The mask has a two sunken rectangular spaces, with zigzag side edges, cutout domed eyes, and pointed ears. The mask is painted with an orange-brown and a red-brown. On top stands a bird figure, with its head down and beak attached to the top of the mask. The bird's back and wings exposed. There is twisted plant fibre cord woven into a partial net attached at the back of the mask.
History Of Use
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. Over time, mask performances have preserved their post-burial rites purposes, but have taken on a diverse set of reasons that may warrant masquerade performances.
Item History
- Made in Mali
- Owned by Richard Tchuemegne before February 5, 2020
- Received from Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source) on February 5, 2020
What
- Name
- Bird Mask
- Identification Number
- 3420/17
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, paint and plant fibre
- Overall
- height 85.0 cm, width 23.0 cm, depth 26.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Dogon
- Previous Owner
- Richard Tchuemegne
- Received from
- Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Mali
When
- Ownership Date
- before February 5, 2020
- Acquisition Date
- on February 5, 2020
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3420/0017