Imina na mask

The imina-na mask also called the Great Mask, is made and used mainly during the Sigi festival, which takes place every 60 years. It is believed that every man living in the Dogon country should experience this festival at least once in his life. Men, who have been lucky enough to do so, and chosen women, Yasigine mask sisters, are haunted after death by the mask of imina na, the same mask they saw during Sigi. All activities connected with the appearance of the imina na mask on the day of death of the Dogon, a Sigi participant, are supervised by Mulono. He is Olubaru, an older man initiated into the Awa cult who has survived two consecutive Sigi festivals. In the early hours of the night, Mulono goes with a group of men to where imina na masks are kept and asks the youngest one, performed for the last festival, to stand up. The mask is carried in an upright position to the deceased's house. On the way, it is accompanied by musicians playing drums and rattles. Once there, the men lean the mask against the wall, make an offering and Mulono recites a long formula, the words of which express their sorrow for the death of the Awa member. After the brief visit, the mask is returned to its resting place. It is believed that this ceremony involving the Great Mask is an act of courtesy towards the deceased. It also allows the family, on behalf of the deceased, to pay it a final tribute. The event is also a reminder that people turned into snakes in mythical times that lived in rocks and returned to villages in search of food. Once imina na has left the deceased's house, his body is wrapped in a blanket and taken to the burial place. The Dama festival, during which other Dogon masks appear, is prepared several years later and ends the long period of mourning for the deceased.

Ewa Prądzyńska