Dogon masks, such as this one called kanaga, are worn primarily at dama, a collective funerary rite for Dogon men. The ritual’s goal is to ensure the safe passage of the spirits of the deceased to the world of the ancestors. The ceremony is organized by members of Awa, a male initiation society with ritual and political roles within Dogon ...

Like other Dogon masks, kanaga masks are worn at rituals called dama, whose goal is to transport the souls of deceased family members away from the village and to enhance the prestige of the deceased and his descendants by magnificent masked performances and generous displays of hospitality.

The Dogon use many different types of masks in dama rituals, representing various characters, animals, objects, and abstract concepts, but kanaga is one of the most popular. At more than three feet tall, the wooden mask is topped with two crosses.

The Dogon are famous for their masks—and hundreds of these striking, stylized headpieces are today held in museum collections throughout the world. But for Dogon peoples, a mask is more than just a disguise for the head.

Jan 25, 2024 · The Kanaga mask is an important cultural artifact for groups in West Africa, particularly the Dogon people of Mali. This wooden mask depicts a broad face with geometric patterns and figures, and has become a well-known symbol of African art.

For the dama, or final commemorative ceremony for an important Dogon elder, hundreds of masked dancers perform, creating a brilliantly colored, ever-changing spectacle of sculpture, costume, song, and dance.

The Kanaga mask is a mask of the Dogon of Mali traditionally used by members of the Awa Society, especially during the ceremonies of the cult of the dead (dama, ceremony of mourning). The Kanaga mask evokes the Creator God Amma.

The most important mask that plays a major role in the Sigui rituals is the Great Mask, or the Mother of Masks. It is several meters long, held by hand, and not used to hide a face. This mask is newly created every 60 years.

Nov 24, 2024 · African Dogon masks play a multifaceted role in Dogon society, extending beyond their ceremonial use. They are also used in educational settings, where they serve as visual aids in teaching young people about Dogon history, myths, and traditions.

Oct 15, 2024 · Nestled in the rugged cliffs of central Mali, the Dogon people have preserved one of Africa’s most captivating and enigmatic cultural traditions—the Dogon Mask Dances. These vibrant and mystical performances are not just ceremonial dances; they are living connections to the ancestors, the universe, and the intricate world of Dogon cosmology.