Description
Dogon masks can be interpreted on two fundamentally different levels: “front speech” (giri so) reflects an early stage of knowledge and consists of a tale that is intended to arouse curiosity; and “speech of the world” (aduno so) refers to Dogon cosmogony, reserved for highly instructed men and women. Masked dances have recently been organized in Dogon regions for tourists and dignitaries. The character of omono is a rare one among the 80 or so that appear in Dogon masquerades.
Provenance
Katherine C. White [1929-1980], Gates Mills, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1975); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1975–)
Accession Number
1975.151
Medium
Wood and paint
Dimensions
Overall: 91.5 cm (36 in.)
Classification
Mask
Credit Line
Gift of Katherine C. White