Walu Mask Surmounted by Ancestor Figure

Origin: Dogon Tribe, Mali
Composition: wood, natural materials

This mask represents a mythical antelope or hyena known as Walu, who had the responsibility of protecting the Sun from the Fox, or Yorugu. The Dogon god Amma, gave Walu this responsibility, and the Dogon still use the Walu mask at ceremonies commemorating the origin of death and the spirits associated with death. The dances occur at sacred sites which are instrumental in maintaining the social requirements regulated within of the complex Dogon belief system related to the creation of the world. The figure atop the piece most likely represents Amma, or one of the original founding ancestors of the Dogon tribe (nommo).

Walu is so revered that his likeness is regularly portrayed in other aspects of Dogon art, especially on house and granary doors. Because of his ability to see into the future, Walu is a symbol of wisdom, and can offer protection and long life. This mask was purchased from a dealer in Mali in 2005.