Masks of the Dogon
We had an opportunity to witness several masked dance ceremonies. The regal lively dances always drew a crowd, both local people and any tourists present. The costumes complementing the masks were vivid and contributed to the overall effect. Most masks were made of wood and/or coarse fabric. Grass skirts were created from the hibiscus plant.
The mask dances we observed are not the same ones as those performed for private, religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, they gave us an insight into the extremely complex culture of the Dogon.
The mask dances we observed are not the same ones as those performed for private, religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, they gave us an insight into the extremely complex culture of the Dogon.