Skip to Content
Today Open today 10–11 members | 11–5 public

  • Mon 11–5
  • Tue–Wed Closed
  • Thu 11–8
  • Fri–Sun 11–5
  • The first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.

Face Mask (Sirige)

A work made of wood and pigment.

Image actions

  • A work made of wood and pigment.

Date:

19th/20th century

Artist:

Dogon
Bandiagara region, Mali
Northern Africa and the Sahel

About this artwork

Dogon masquerades were held primarily to honor the deceased and foster their souls’ passage into the afterlife. The practice has faded over time as a result of the popularity of Christianity and Islam. Performances have become largely secular events organized for the entertainment of visitors and tourists. The most important masks, which collectively commemorated men at funerary celebrations called dama, were organized by the Awa association.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Dogon

Title

Face Mask (Sirige)

Place

Mali (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1800–1999

Medium

Wood and pigment

Dimensions

175.3 × 17.8 × 15.2 cm (69 × 7 × 6 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Studio Thirty Three, Inc.

Reference Number

1963.861

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.
Learn more

Image actions

Share

Suggested Terms