Facial Walu Mask
Dogon · Mali
Reference: MFAZ-67
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- Height
- 40 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments.
Walu is the mystical dogon antelope commissioned by the creator god Amma to protect the sun against Yurugu, the fox, which is the symbol of disorder…
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Full original description
Walu is the mystical dogon antelope commissioned by the creator god Amma to protect the sun against Yurugu, the fox, which is the symbol of disorder and insubmission. The fox believed the sun was his sister Yasigi. Since it was impossible for him to access the sun, the fox decided to take revenge and dug numerous holes in the ground that caused the antelope to fall, which was badly wounded. Then Amma appointed one of the eight primordial ancestors to heal him, but despite these care Walu died. The dance of the Walu mask, relates this episode.
The mask is depicted in a quadrangular shape on which stands a torso or a kneeling woman figure representing Yasigi. Two side ears exceed the upper level of the head. The rectangular front, with a grid and nose always in arrow, characteristic of the DogonThis mask is topped by the ancestor's head. Dark patina.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Mali. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
