Guerisseur Mask Item Number: 3420/20 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The mask has a two sunken rectangular spaces within a raised rectangular border, raised jagged-edged nose, rectangular cutout eyes, and pointed ears. The mask is painted with orange-brown and red-brown. Extending up from the head between the ears are two long, slightly curved and spiraled ears or horns. A loosely woven plant fibre net is attached to the back.

History Of Use

The walu (antelope) mask is worn during a Dama ceremony of a deceased clan member that had participated in the Sigi ceremony. Dama ceremonies help escort nyama (spirits) to the afterlife and last six days. During the ceremony, the mask society performs in the village plaza and on the terrace of the deceased's home. The Sigi ceremony occurs every sixty years and is performed to commemorate the death of Lebe, the first ancestor to die. The dancer who wears the antelope mask often holds two short sticks, which are used to scratch the ground to represent antelope behavior during their mating displays. The walu masquerade dance at the Dama ceremony potentially tells the story of the walu's struggle and eventual death at the hands of yurugu (fox) while trying to protect the sun. The fight for the sun was the purpose for the walu's creation by Amma, the creator of the universe.

Item History

What

Name
Guerisseur Mask
Identification Number
3420/20
Type of Item
mask
Material
plant fibre, wood and paint
Overall
height 70.0 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 18.2 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
Mopti, Mali

When

Ownership Date
before February 5, 2020
Acquisition Date
on February 5, 2020

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
3420/0020