"The Dama rite of passage takes place over a six day period. The second day is Gondenu, the day of dancing, and is organized in three phases, the separation, the liminal, and the reintegration. The reintegration phase resolves the conflicts and re-establishes order. The kanaga and sirige are paired in this phase and create a symbolism of the balanced pairing of male and female aspects." [Harris M., 1989: Visual tropes: The Kanaga Mask of the Dogon People of West Africa, Yale University]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Westinghouse Film and traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971.
Local Numbers:
EENG-IX-10, 23.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "E 1 Dgn. Dogon. Mali, Sanga. Kanaga and Sirige masked dancers. 1/1971. Maya Bracher. neg.no. IX-10, 23." 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.
