Djimini Mask Do Society Côte d'Ivoire
Width: 7.0
Depth: 4.0
People
Condition
Overall Condition:
Damage/Repair:
Description
This wonderfully carved mask combining human and animal elements. Though the Ligbi people are predominately Islamized, masks with human faces surmounted by horns representing a ‘bush cow' and called by them “Siginkuru-ayama” were worn by the men's Do society who appeared to dance at the funerals of Moslem holy men and the ‘Id-Al-Fir' ceremonies to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The use of masks such as this one with it's with well carved abstracted human features were generally forbidden to Moslems by the Koran as they were required to not carve ‘human graven images'. The mask was worn with an elaborate costume consisting of a shirt, grass skirt and trousers made from locally woven cotton. Each time the mask is danced it is redecorated with the addition of paint to emphasize scarification and facial details it has however been cleaned and given a coat of wax to enhance it's sculptural appeal.
The Djimini Do Society is a traditional African cultural group that has a rich history of artistic expression and community organization. The society is primarily based in the Ivory-Coast and is known for its intricate wooden sculptures, masks, and other forms of visual art.
Though being heavily influenced by the neighboring Senufo in their art, the Ligbi/Ligbe and Djimini people of the Ivory-Coast have incorporated these influences into their own identifiable style. Similar to Senufo "Kpeliyee/Kpelie" masks! This Ligbi version retains the Kpeliyee mask elements of the wings by the eyes and hairline, bird legs at the side of the face and the scarification marks on the face. Another mark of Ligbi origin is the use of the patterned scarification above the eyes and the elaborate coiffure very similar to the Baule hairstyles.
The Djimini Do Society is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, and its cultural practices and artistic traditions have been passed down through generations of members. The society's members are known for their deep connection to the natural world and their belief in the importance of community and collective responsibility.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Djimini Do Society's art is its use of wooden sculptures and masks. These works are typically carved from a single piece of wood and are decorated with intricate patterns and symbols. The masks are often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, and are believed to have spiritual significance. They are also prized as works of art in their own right, and many have been collected by museums and private collectors around the world.
In addition to their visual art, the Djimini Do Society is also known for its music and dance. Traditional instruments like the balafon and the djembe are used to create lively rhythms that are accompanied by group dances and chanting. These performances are an important part of the society's cultural identity and are often used to mark important occasions like weddings, funerals, and other rites of passage.
Overall, the Djimini Do Society is an important part of African cultural heritage, and its artistic traditions continue to inspire artists and scholars around the world. From its intricate wooden sculptures and masks to its lively music and dance performances, the society's art reflects a deep connection to nature, community, and spiritual belief.
The Djimini Senufo of Cote d'Ivoire, numbering 175,000, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are part of the Gur people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. This people group is only found in Cote d'Ivoire. Their primary language is Djimini Senoufo.
The primary religion practiced by the Djimini Senufo is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.
AO0922