Do face mask

19th–mid-20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341

Do masquerades encompass a number of traditions across Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. Existing scholarship most closely associates these events with the Muslim residents of these regions, who sponsor the masks during a weeklong celebration at the conclusion of Ramadan. The naturalistic depictions cover a range of characters, including beautiful maidens, Muslim elders, sheep, and bush cows, among others. Presented within a clearing in front of the town’s Friday mosque, the performance begins with the sudden, dramatic entrance of nefyedou (literally, "he who frightens children"). Nefyedou clears the dancers’ circle of children who have crowded the arena. He then orders the spectators quiet before introducing the series of Do dancers who perform in pairs, each with a unique song and dance.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Do face mask
Artist: Senufo or Dyula artist
Date: 19th–mid-20th century
Geography: Côte d'Ivoire, northern Côte d'Ivoire
Culture: Senufo or Dyula peoples
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. 15 1/8 x W. 7 5/16 x D. 4 5/16 in. (38.5 x 18.6 x 11 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
Object Number: 1979.206.197
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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