Gomintogo mask

The gomintogo mask represents the head of an animal of the deer family. Its characteristic feature is the spreading antlers, in this case greatly simplified and reduced to a rounded, concave figure resembling a large scoop. The mask is a great example of Dogon art, which is distinguished by its geometric forms, symmetry, frontalism and static. The anthropomorphic and zoomorphic representations, frequent in Dogon art, are devoid of naturalism. Their original, individual features are shown through symbols that are often legible only to a narrow group of initiates.Dogon masks protect against the dangerous influence of the life force nyama. This is the energy distributed among all beings existing in the world, very important for their normal functioning. Each animal also has its nyama, which is released after the death of the host. If the death occurred naturally, the life energy is transferred without major complications to another related animal, often one just born. However, when it has happened in a violent manner nyama becomes dangerous to its perpetrator. Most masks were first made precisely to protect the culprit of a mishap from the life force of the victim. The mask is worn over the face and only forms a whole with a costume made of dyed plant fibres. The first costumes of this type were made to hide the genitals of Mother Earth, scarred by the pale Yurugu fox and are a harbinger of the end of chaos. Like other Dogon masks, it is danced during the Dama funeral festivals ending the long period of mourning for the deceased. The dancers are always men, members of the Awa society.

Ewa Prądzyńska