Dogon Mask, Mali

All Masks All Decorative Art Dogon Mask from Mali Description of Significance: Dogon masks from Mali have played a central role in Dama ceremonies, which help guide the spirits of the dead into the afterlife and restore harmony to the living. The Dogon people believe masks connect them to the spiritual world, honoring ancestors and cosmic forces. With over 80 distinct types, Dogon masks range from highly abstract geometric designs to detailed representations of animals, spirits, and mythological beings. Some of the most famous include the Kanaga mask, with its double cross-like structure symbolizing the universe, and the Satimbe mask, representing powerful ancestral women. Carved from wood and painted in earthy reds, whites, and blacks, these masks were used by masked dancers in elaborate funeral rituals. Today, Dogon-style masks are widely crafted for decoration, their bold forms and intricate carvings making them popular worldwide. Country of Origin: Hand carved in Ivory