African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask (1974)
The Kanaga mask is used in deeply sacred rituals by the Dogon people of Mali. Carving this mask is as important a ritual as the ceremonies in which the mask is used. The carver, a blacksmith, finds the proper tree and, in a secret cave outside the village, he shapes the mask with gestures which repeat the movement of the dancers who will wear it. When a dancer wears the Kanaga mask he becomes the Creator symbolically. He touches the ground with his mask and directs a soul to Heaven. Although these dances are now frequently performed for the public, the meaning of Kanaga is retained by the Dogon who fear, respect and depend on the power of the mask.
Director: Thomas D. Blakely, Eliot Elisofon
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 19 min
Release Date: January 1, 1974
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Thomas D. Blakely, Eliot Elisofon
More Films in Genre: Documentary
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask about?
- The Kanaga mask is used in deeply sacred rituals by the Dogon people of Mali. Carving this mask is as important a ritual as the ceremonies in which the mask is used. The carver, a blacksmith, finds the proper tree and, in a secret cave outside the village, he shapes the mask with gestures which repeat the movement of the dancers who will wear it. When a dancer wears the Kanaga mask he becomes the Creator symbolically. He touches the ground with his mask and directs a soul to Heaven. Although these dances are now frequently performed for the public, the meaning of Kanaga is retained by the Dogon who fear, respect and depend on the power of the mask.
- Who directed African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask?
- African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask was directed by Thomas D. Blakely, Eliot Elisofon.
- How long is African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask?
- African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask has a runtime of 19m (19 minutes).
- What genre is African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask?
- African Carving: A Dogon Kanaga Mask is a Documentary film.