The Dogon are one of the most well known ethnic groups in Africa with a remarkable historical legacy that centers around accurate advanced knowledge of mathematics and astronomy yet how they achieved this still remains a mystery. For example Dogon traditions and tribal ceremonies that date back for thousands of years are aligned with the movements of a star, Sirius B. This star was invisible to the naked eye and unknown to Western society until the 1970s. Along with these mysterious origins of knowledge the Dogon are famous for their tribal works of art. Doors, statues and various ritual accoutrements, accompany over 70 masks of which only a few have clear-cut meaning to outsiders. The mask on display we know is used to represent an aspect of negative Dogon social behavior.

The Dogon continue an old masquerading tradition called "Dama". Dama memorial ceremonies are held to accompany the deceased into the ancestral realm and restore order to their perception of the universe. During  Dama ceremony, several types of masks are involved all of which have a distinct purpose. Animal spirit masks are used to evoke the behavior of some of the animals that inhabit the regions where the Dogon live and hunt. They include antelopes, hares, lions, hyenas, cows, birds and monkeys. 

According to Dogon beliefs, the monkey represents wild, uncivilized, dangerous, and antisocial behavior, the direct opposite of their beliefs about the way a proper upstanding Dogon citizen is expected to behave. The Dege is used as a symbol of darkness that promotes gluttony and vileness traits that are met with distain.

The Dogon utilize three types of monkey masks: the Omono, the Ko and the black mask known as the Dege. The According to Dogon beliefs the black monkeys, Dege, are the "male villains of the bush." and whose behavior must not be emulated because it is the antithesis of the Dogon order. The Dege monkey mask has styling that is unique to the Dogon people. An elongated piece with a small rounded head, flat back ears with eerily drawn rectangular shaped eyes that spike down the body of the mask to a connecting point. The mask despite aging and weathered wood has retained it's initial form completely. 

This is a marvelous piece that bespeaks artistic genius in my opinion. It was crafted in mid to late 20th century.

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Dimensions: 15 inches tall x 5 3/4 inches wide x 5 inches deep

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