Anthropomorphic mask
Mali, Dogon
not available anymore
Size
H: 39 cm
H: 15.4 inch
Description
light brown wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, red paint, cowrie shells, remains of fur, flat ground, a bulging forehead forming an animal head with trunk-like projection, the latter, at the same time, forms the nose of the actual mask face, open mouth with inserted animal teeth (mostly missing), netting at the back, pierced around the rim, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage (back), cracks, small missing parts, traces of abrasion, base;
depicting a person called “the hunter”. The masks are carved by the person who wears it lateron. Because the Dogon believe that game animals are overpowered by magical means, hunters are also magicians.
It is completed by a plant fibre costume which covers the most part of the body.