Dogon Mask Dance

The Dogon Mask Dance at the village of Tireli, Dogon in Mali. Shot & Edited by Gozilah ©2012. More about Dogon culture and Rituals: Photos : The Dogon are an ancient tribe from Mali known for their elaborate ceremonial masks used for celebratory dances performed by the men of the tribe. Dogon masks are known throughout the world by anthropologists and art curators. They are among the most highly respected tribal art in the world, having influenced Western 20th-century artists such as Picasso, Braque and the Cubist movement. The masks serve to connect the Dogon people to the world of heaven where the afterworld exists, and Earth, which provides food, shelter and life. The Dogon are a patriarchal society and traditionally the Dogon masks are controlled and cared for by a group of male known as “Awa“. Male dancers bring the mask to life in ancient ritualistic ceremonies such as the “Dama“, a funerary celebration that honors