Kanaga mask

The Kanaga mask is a traditional mask used by the Dogon people of Mali in religious ceremonies, especially during the Dama festival to honor ancestors and ensure community harmony. It features a tall, rectangular shape with layered, geometric designs, often resembling a stylized human figure or bird. Made from carved wood and decorated with natural pigments, the mask symbolizes spiritual beliefs, guiding spirits and connecting the living with ancestors. Its striking appearance and symbolic significance make it a central element in Dogon cultural expressions and rituals.