The Dogon people live primarily in the almost 100 mile escarpment and cliffs of Bandiagara. Their language is unique, and not at all related to any other languages probably due to their villages being so defensible and isolated.
The Awa is a masked dance society that held rituals of social importance. Although masks still perform today, they are not usually performed for their original intent, but instead are performed for tourists interested in the Dogon way of life. The Dogon use this entertainment to earn income by charging tourists money.
As meat is a premium, the hunter is highly regarded, and this mask represents a hunter surmounted on top.
There are several repairs to the mask.
Height: 45", but on its 11 x 12 ¼" x 2" base, it is 47" tall.
Width: 9 1/2" x Depth: 8".
