Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 218

Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218

Photo 1 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 2 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 3 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 4 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 5 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 6 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 7 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
Photo 8 — Dogon Satimbe mask — Dogon, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 218
View my selection

Description

This Dogon Satimbe mask, originating from Mali, is an emblematic piece of Dogon art. It is composed of two distinct parts: a rectangular base with square-shaped hollowed eyes and a female anthropomorphic structure carved on the top.
The female figure, representing the Yasigi/Yasa, embodies an important ritual figure in Dogon society. She is associated with the Lébé ceremonies called Bulu, which celebrate the renewal of life and are part of the spring agricultural rites. The woman placed above the mask symbolises the Yasigi priestess, responsible for managing the Lébé festivities.
The mask shows a natural patina and marks of wear that attest to its age and ritual use. This type of mask, carved from wood, is decorated with geometric motifs and displays a balanced composition typical of Dogon masks.

Technical details

Type of piece
Masque
Category
Masks
Ethnic group
Dogon
Country
Mali
Materials
wood
Dimensions
H 98 × W 22 × D 18 cm
Weight
2,8 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
218