Yombe wood carving, depicting a man with a child on the back of an animal, a unique piece from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) from the early 20th century.

Dogon Figure with Kanaga Mask

Mali · Dogon ethnicity

This sculpture represents a Dogon male figure with the well-known Kanaga mask, a symbol of the supernatural and earthly world.

Made of carved and polychrome wood, it stands out for its static posture and the meticulousness of its anatomical details. The piece rests on its own base for greater stability and has a dark, matte patina.

The Kanaga is used in funeral rituals to guide the soul of the deceased and protect the living.

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Description

Exceptional Dogon male representation with Kanaga mask. The figure emerges from its own carved base for stability. The figure stands with legs open and slightly bent, the body with a protruding abdomen and hands pressed to it, very close to the navel, the sexual organ marked. A static and immobile tendency predominates. The head is covered by a Kanaga mask.

It is the best-known mask of the Dogon people. It features their face and forehead carved in windbreak wood, with triangular openings for the eyes. The cross, reminiscent of the Lorraine Cross, refers to the creation myth. The upper arms symbolize the supernatural world, which is why they point towards the sky; the lower arms, which point towards the ground, symbolize the earthly world. The line between the two parts represents the union between the two worlds.

Dark, matte patina. Well-preserved polychrome.

Superstructure made of wood, with plant fibers and white, black, and red pigments. Made schematically, with a predominance of planes and straight lines. The "kanaga" is the most commonly used Dogon mask, traditionally used by members of the Awa society in funerary rites where they dance on the roof of the deceased's house to guide their soul (nyama) to its eternal rest, and at the same time defend the living from possible harm. The transverse arms are formed by two parallel planks added and tied in an X of equal dimensions. The top is finished with two small statuettes representing the primordial couple, considered by the Dogon as their first ancestor. It is in the shape of a Lorraine cross. It evokes the creator god Amma. It has the form of a double cross, which reminds initiates of the episodes of the creation of the world.

Dark, matte patina. Well-preserved polychrome.

GOURO ZAOULI MASK
Ivory Coast, 20th century

Restoration status

The piece has a matte, dark patina and well-preserved polychrome; it maintains its structural integrity and original materials, with no recent interventions noted.

Historical context

Originating from Mali and belonging to the Dogon ethnic group, this figure dates from the mid-20th century. The Kanaga mask is central to the funerary rituals of the Awa society, evoking the myth of creation and spiritual protection. Its formal elements symbolize the union between the earthly and the supernatural world, and its use highlights the importance of Dogon beliefs about life, death, and the origin of the universe.