Hare Mask Dyommo Dogon Mali Ancient African Art

Dance mask, hare, with a face with cubic shapes. The rectangular cavities of the cheeks are separated by angular columns, while the eyes, deeply hollowed out in triangles, add depth to the whole. The balance of the geometric lines gives a sober harmony to this composition. The head is surmounted by two large ears evoking those of a hare, reinforcing the symbolic identity of this mask. Wood with natural patina, marked by time and use, with visible remains of pigments. chips present at the end of a horn and on the edge of an ear, accompanied by its original cords. Good general condition of conservation (see photos). Dogon, Mali First half of the 20th century Dimensions: 37 x 16.3 cm Provenance: former Paris collection, Origine Auction, Bagnolet, 2017. Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes * Shipping costs on request The Dogon, a people of the central plateau of Mali, are renowned for their complex belief system and their rich artistic tradition. This mask, associated with the figure of the hare (Dyommo), was used during ceremonies linked to agrarian rites or to the cycles of initiatory society. The hare, known for its cunning and speed, plays a symbolic role in Dogon stories, embodying essential qualities of adaptation and survival in a difficult environment. This mask, with its rigorous aesthetic and its patina of use, bears witness to the central place of these objects in the traditions of this people.