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Black monkey mask
Black monkey mask

Black monkey mask

MediumWood and encrustation
Dimensions14 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 6 inches (36.8 x 17.1 x 15.2 cm)
CultureDogon (Mali)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of John Eriksen, Class of 1961, and Betsy Eriksen
Terms
  • Mali
  • Sculpture
  • Wood
  • Monkeys
  • Dogon
Object number82.114.010
Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION The black monkey mask is worn by a masquerader during the Dogon dama, the dry-season festival that both acknowledges death and celebrates life and fertility. WHERE WAS IT MADE? The Dogon people live in Mali, on the West coast of Africa. HOW WAS IT MADE? Dogon masks are made by blacksmiths, who work both with metal and wood. Using an adze, the blacksmith carves a mask from a single piece of wood. Dogon masks are carved from the wood of “male” trees, such as the togolo. The Dogon people believe that trees contain nature spirits. As a result, various rituals are performed before the tree is felled so that they spirit can be transferred to a new container. Sesame oil is then applied to the felled tree to keep the wood from drying out. Once the ritual exercises are complete the mask is carved. The basic form is fleshed out with an adze, and the finer details are delineated with a smaller knife. HOW WAS IT USED? The black monkey mask appears during the dama. Like other predatory creatures such as the hunter, the warrior, and several animals such as the crocodile, hyena, and leopard, the monkey's costume consists of heavy, dark fibers that conceal the masker. These other maskers perform with aggressive, irrational movements, but the black monkey does not perform. He sits sullenly on the periphery of the performance area and makes lewd gestures. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? The masculine black monkey mask is representative of a gluttonous and vulgar village outcast. The monkey was likely chosen as the animal to best represent this behavior not only because he is close to mankind (yet lacks civility), but because monkeys are hated for their theft of cultivated crops. In many cultures, including early modern European, the monkey represents vulgarity and crudeness. The Dogon black monkey masker sometimes carries a phallus-shaped staff, and makes obscene gestures, steals food, and acts stupid. His offensive conduct stands as an example of poor community behavior that is discouraged, especially among the young. To see other Dogon masks used in the dama festival, search for object numbers 74.022.003 and 82.114.005 in the keyword search box.
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