Dogon Helmet Mask Depicting Feline, Based

Round ears, narrow eyes, whiskers etched on a wooden face.

This helmet mask depicting a feline is the work of Dogon carvers of Mali, West Africa, who made it in wood in the 20th century. Animal masks are commonly part of Dogon masquerade, danced on public occasions. The face is a tall, slightly boxy form, with two rounded ears, a long ridged nose, and oval cut-out eyes. Fine incised lines mark the cheeks. The wood has weathered to a pale, sandy brown with darker dust in the cuts, and it rests on a metal rod and base.

About 14.7 inches tall. A cat with opinions, and the means to share them.