Do face mask
Do masquerades encompass a number of traditions across Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. Existing scholarship most closely associates these events with the Muslim residents of these regions, who sponsor the masks during a weeklong celebration at the conclusion of Ramadan. The naturalistic depictions cover a range of characters, including beautiful maidens, Muslim elders, sheep, and bush cows, among others. Presented within a clearing in front of the town’s Friday mosque, the performance begins with the sudden, dramatic entrance of nefyedou (literally, "he who frightens children"). Nefyedou clears the dancers’ circle of children who have crowded the arena. He then orders the spectators quiet before introducing the series of Do dancers who perform in pairs, each with a unique song and dance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Do face mask
- Artist: Senufo or Dyula artist
- Date: 19th–mid-20th century
- Geography: Côte d'Ivoire, northern Côte d'Ivoire, Bandama River region
- Culture: Senufo or Dyula peoples
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. 8 1/4 in. × W. 5 in. × D. 2 1/4 in. (21 × 12.7 × 5.7 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.205
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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