White monkey mask "omono"

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Description

wood, paint residue, base

The Dogon utilize three types of monkey masks: the white monkey “omono”, the black monkey “dege” and the red monkey “ko”.

According to Dogon beliefs, the monkey represents wild, uncivilized, dangerous, and antisocial behavior – the direct opposite of their beliefs about the way a proper, solid, upstanding Dogon person is expected to behave.

The “omono” and “ko” masks are regarded as voracious thieves who devour the millet in the fields. The black monkeys “dege” are considered the male “villains of the bush”. They symbolise wickedness and gluttony.

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Comparing literature

Homberger, Lorenz (Hg.), Die Kunst der Dogon, Zürich 1995, p. 125, ill. 100

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