Mask

wood, encrusted brown patina, remains of animal hair, deepened facial plane framed by cap-like headgear and beard, slightly asymmetrical facial features with large cut out eyes and arrow-shaped nose, the small hole underneath the nose was used for attachment of a string, which the dancer held with his teeth in order to fix the mask in front of the face, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (esp. at the back), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
probably an "albarga" mask. The "albarga" mask is said to represent an old man of the "Andoumboulou" race of small, human-like creatures, believed to be the first inhabitants of the Cliffs of Bandiagara. The "Andoumboulou" are also said to be the first makers and users of masks among the Dogon.
Unlike the wide variety of animal-based wooden masks, only a small number of masks with human characteristics are carved amongst the Dogon. An example for this type is "albarga", used during the funeral ceremony of a deceased male community member that took part in a "sigi" ceremony.