DOGON Mali, region of Bandiagara h 41.5 cm Dance... Lot 29

DOGON Mali, region of Bandiagara h 41.5 cm Dance mask. Wood covered with a crusted mixture of black and white paint, signs of use and traces of erosion across the mask, indigenous restorations. A large crest-shaped nose divides the mask in two parts. The mouth is a protruding cone, and the eyes are two triangular crevices.This is a variety of the famous Kanaga mask without the superstructure.According to Marcel Griaule’s research, these masks were associated with the worship of deceased ancestors. They were worn during mourning ceremonies. The dancers were hidden by a colourful raphia garment, with the mask attached to the face. Publications: Sculpture featured in: BALLARINI ROBERTO & CECIONI EUGENIO "Maschere e Gioielli dei Dogon" Exhibition catalogue from Villa Pacchiani, Santa Croce sull'Arno, Pisa, June 2004, fig. 2 (486); PROVENANCE Former collection of Renato Patetta, MilanWork acquired by him in Mali around 1980. From the indications gathered at the place, the mask was sculptured a long time ago; Private collection (1999) EXHIBITIONS Mask exhibited in Santa Croce sull’Arno, Pisa, June 2004; LITERATURE IMPERATO PASCAL JAMES, Dogon Cliff Dwellers, New York 1978, pag. 39 (66); BILOT ALAIN & BOHOBOT MICHEL & CALAME-GRIAULE GENEVIEVE & NDAYE FRANCINE, Masques du pays Dogon, Paris 2003, Edizioni Adam Biro (424); LEUZINGER ELSY, Art de l’Afrique Noire, Paris 1979, n° 236 (65);