Untitled

Untitled

Carving, Hare Mask

This hare mask, carved from wood and originally painted, signifies the use of animal spiritualism within Dogon culture. Hare masks were worn at funeral ceremonies. During such rituals, several dancers would wear hare masks and one wearer would represent the hunter, who would chase these non-predatory animals. This dance, performed at funerals, would be employed to lead the spirits of the deceased to their final resting place in the ancestral realm. Occasionally, these masks were also used during male initiation ceremonies.

The Dogon

Martha and Robert Fogelman

The Art Museum at the University of Memphis

ca. 20th Century

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Wood and Pigment, Carved
20.000x6.500
Depth 6.500

2008.2.121