Tribal Art

This African mask is surmounted by a female figure Ya Sigine who would embody the mythical ancestor who stole the masks from supernatural beings, taking captive an old Albarga man initiated into the secrets of masks. The woman initiated into Ya Sigine has since then been the only woman able to participate in Dogon rituals and benefiting from a masked funeral.
Grainy irregular patina. Abrasions and chips from use.
More than eighty types of African masks are listed among the Dogon, the best known of which are the Kanaga, Sirigé, Satimbé, Walu. Most of them are used by circumcised initiates of the Awa society, during funeral ceremonies. The Awa designates the masks, their costumes, and all the Dogons serving as masks. The "nyama", the vital force of the mask, is activated by different rituals in order to develop the full magical potential of the object. (Source: Dogon, H.Blom)