Dogon Dege or Black Monkey Mask, On custom base

Two narrow slits for eyes and a long ridge for a nose. The mask says the rest with its silence.

This dege, or black monkey mask, is Dogon, from Segou, San Village, Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood, on a custom base. The Dogon are known for a large repertoire of masks used in masquerades, and animal masks such as the monkey are generally part of these performances. The mask is a long, rounded oval, the brow overhanging a pair of rectangular eye openings. A strong ridge runs down the center of the face. The surface is weathered to a granular gray. It is 5.25 inches wide and 21.25 high.

Minimal, focused, and entirely watchful.