"The kanaga mask is part of a costume traditionally worn only for the dances of the Dama funerary ceremonies,and is accompanied by particular drum rythms from particular drums which generate specific dances. Only initiated, circumcised members of the all-male Awa secret society dance the kanaga." [Harris M., 1989: Visual tropes: The Kanaga Mask of the Dogon people of West Africa, Yale University]. This photograph was taken by Maya Bracher when she traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971. She was on assignment for Eliot Elisofon when he wrote, produced, and directed a four-hour television series for Group W (Westinghouse Broadcasting Company) titled Black African Heritage (1973). The series was divided into four segments, lasting 50 minutes each: The Congo, The Bend of the Niger, The Slave Coast, and Africa's Gift.
Local Numbers:
EENG-IX-10, 22.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "E 1 Dgn. Dogon. Mali, Sanga. Kanaga masked dancers. 1/1971. Maya Bracher. neg.no. IX-10, 22." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
