Dogon masks in Changing World

Masques Dogons in a Changing World

• Author: Polly Richards

• Source: African Arts, Vol. 38, No. 4 (Winter, 2005), pp. 46-53, 93

• Published By: UCLA James S. Coleman African Studies Center

• JSTOR URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20447734

• Accessed: 14/02/2015

Introduction

• Discussion on Dogon masquerade at a lecture in 1998.

• Shock from the audience due to modern changes in Dogon masquerade, including the wearing of trainers and writing on traditional masks.

• Critiques on the defamation of traditional masking practices.

• Historical significance of Dogon masquerade established since 1930s studies by Marcel Griaule.

Changes Affecting Dogon Region

• Key Changes Over Time:

  • Urban Exodus: Young men migrating to cities for work.

  • Tourism Influence: Increased number of tourists affecting local culture.

  • Desertification: Environmental changes impacting traditional practices.

  • Religious Shift: Penetration of Christianity and Islam altering cultural identity.

  • Political Changes: Development in national politics influencing societal structures.

Adaptation of Masquerade Traditions

• The Dogon masquerade tradition has historically adapted to changes in society.

Historical Context of Masquerade

• Pre-existing Performances:

  • Originally linked to post-burial rites for elders, agricultural protections, and corrective rites for behaviors.

• Recent studies show diversity in the types of events where masks are performed today.

  • Ancient fertility rites are still performed in remote areas.

  • Use of masks in urban contexts has evolved, such as ceremonial functions connected to Christianity and Islam.

• The expansion of masked performances to cater to European tourists began post-colonization (1920).

Perception of Change

• Scholars note the open system for accumulation and changes in Dogon traditions as essential for survival.

• Outsiders often perceive these changes as a decline in tradition.

• Contradictory External Views:

  • Griaule viewed the secularization of mask performances negatively.

  • Other scholars noted the importance of local engagement in maintaining performance qualities.

Categorization of Performance

• Traditional vs. Adapted Performances,

• Terms commonly used in literature include:

  • Traditional vs. Ethnic

  • Theatrical vs. Sacred

• Authenticity may not align with how Dogon people actually categorize their performances.

• Local Terminology: All performances are referred to as imina go within the mask association.

Dogon Population and Geography

• Area: Dogon country spans approximately 50,000 square kilometers in southeast Mali, hosting a population around 400,000.

• Cultural Dominance: Indigenous religions still prevail in many Dogon communities, particularly in villages like Sangha.

Differences in Tourist and Ritual Performances

• Local distinctions between performances:

  • Location: Tourist performances occur on village perimeters to avoid invoking bad luck in traditional contexts.

  • Duration and Participation: Tourist dances are typically shorter and less participatory.

  • Aesthetic Condition: Masks for tourists often appear less maintained than those for traditional rituals.

Impact of Religion on Mask Traditions

• Views of masks by Christians and Muslims show an ideal of separation from indigenous practices.

• Many individuals, despite conversion, still participate in masquerade events.

• Function of Masks: Serve as displays of Dogon identity and cultural heritage.

The Role of Performance in Modern Context

• Young Dogon men returning from urban centers might incorporate new materials and styles into traditional masks.

  • Example: Use of items like pill packets or sardine cans in masks.

• Evolution of visible identity in performances (e.g., wearers showcasing their names or education).

Academic Perspectives on Change

• Scholars may view the adaptation of styles as evidence of decline.

• Contrarily, local observations reveal an improvement in craftsmanship and aesthetic preference.

• Stylistic Evolution: Some masks show increasing naturalism and complexity compared to historical pieces.

Future of Dogon Masquerade

• Ongoing changes in performances challenge predictions of cultural extinction.

• Future adaptability may signify resilience rather than decline.

• Cultural pride and identity promotion through mask traditions remain vital, with local audiences increasingly participating in events.

Conclusion

• The Dogon masquerade exemplifies a tradition actively negotiating contemporary challenges while highlighting a commitment to cultural identity amidst religious and environmental shifts.