Dogon Samana or Anawala Mask
Origin: Mali, Sangha region
Approx Age: Mid 20th Century
Materials: Wood, string net, cowries
Dimensions cm: 62 x 15 x 20
Ref. Number: 1420
£1600.00
Description: Dogon Samana or Anawala mask of highly abstract hollowed rhomboid form, both lower flanks have been natively repaired with animal hide, the rectangular facial plane punctuated by a protruding mouth beneath a vertical projecting plank nose framed by pierced triangular eyes beneath an overhanging domed brow terminating in a single high crested ridged coiffure; varied weathered patina with areas of slight remaining black and red pigment and encrustation.
Provenance: Ex Lampevelden Collection, Netherlands.
History
This Dogon Samana mask due to the higher crested coiffure is a rarer form known in Sangha as “Anawala’, this very aged mask was collected by its previous owner ‘Lampevelden’ in the early 1970’s from Sangha whilst working with the Dogon people installing irrigation systems for the villagers to obtain water for their survival, this mask was purchased from its owner ‘Diarra Mama’. The Samana mask, said to represent a warrior from the neighbouring Samana (or Samo) ethnic group (with sources pointing to their reputation for pride, courage and aggression) is one of the few human wooden masks danced during the Dama ceremony. It is believed that the Samana masquerade’s dance warns of the folly of war and aggression by mimicking a battle with the dancer eventually falling to the ground as if struck by an imaginary foe.
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