XTRA LARGE DECORATED DOGON KANAGA MASK -SALE PRICED

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

< DOGON KANAGA MASK BURKINO FASO AGE IS PROBABLY ABOUT 40 + YEARS OLD 42 " TALL - 21 " ACROSS Traditionally Dogon masks are controlled by the Awa society, a group of predominantly male initiates who conduct the public rites that insure the transition of the dead into the spirit world. A large number of masks participate in Dogon funerary rites and the dama, a celebration at the end of mourning. The masks also appear in the sigui, a celebration held only every 60 years to mark the change in generations.SEE SOME MORE SAMPLES @ /DOGON/DogonKanagaMasks/DogonKanagaMasks.html Dogon masks evoke the form of animals associated with their mythology, yet their signifigcance is only understood by the highest ranking cult members whose role is to eplain the meaning of each mask to a captivated audience. T are more than 70 different Dogon masks, which can be grouped according to medium, whether fiber or wood; subject, whether animal, human or abstract; and character, whether predatory or nonpredatory. This wood mask is a nonpredatory box form with pointed ears. Its abstract form is subject to many interpretations, most refer to a bird or a female spirit. In Dogon belief the symbolism of form and numerology, as well as the dance movement and costume generally refer to female qualities. This mask appears several at a time. The dancer swings the mask in a figure 8, touching the ground. From Bacquart, "..the most famous of these masks is certainly the kanaga mask. Its stylized face is set beneath two pairs of geometric arms directed towards the sky and the earth." From African Masks from the Barbier-Meuller Collection, "..the Kanaga, which represents a bird known as kommolo tebu. Its origin is traced back to a mythical hunter who, having killed one of the birds, fabricated the first kanaga mask in its likeness. From Segy, "Members of the Awa society wore these masks when dancing on the roof of the house of the deceased in order to lead his soul (nyama) to its resting place, and at the same time defend the survivors from the harm a wandering soul might inflict upon them." From A History of Art in Africa, "...Kanaga masks are carved by individual Awa initiates and are linked to circumcision rites. The dances and gestures of kanaga...are unique in that their superstructures are vigorously whirled and swung down in an arcing motion to touch the ground. The meaning is unclear, though it appears to signify direct communication with earth spirits." THANKS TO TODD FOR VERBAGE TO SEE OTHER DOGON STUFF CHECK OUT: /Masks/CATEGORY/Plank/dogon.html www.dogon-lobi.ch EXCELLENT DANCED CONDITION. DRY WOOD, AGE CRACKS , OCHRES, REED. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE CEREMONIAL PICTURE TAKEN IN THE 1970'S THIS IS AN OLDER MASK, MORE REFINED MASK. VALUE $ 1200.00 + LIVING IN SECLUSION AMONGS THE DRY CANYONS AND HIGH DESERTS OF THE REGION, THE DOGON ARE STILL ISOLATED AND LIVE IN PRIMITIVE SOCIETIES. Shipping is $ 100.00. + USA $ NOT AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL SALE $ INSURED *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities.*** If you cannot live with that or want a perfect piece, Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try my best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions. PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING . DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY. Return Policy: All items purchased can be returned for a refund within 14 days if item is not as described (minus shipping costs,). POLICIES: Buyer prepays, plus shipping and handling. , INSURANCE is INCLUDED. International postage will vary depending on country. Winning bidders outside of the United States recieve Air Mail. After the auction has ended, EBAY will send you email notification of your winning bid, requesting your shipping information. ... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.