History Of African Art Quiz

1. What does a Figure with Both Hands Up represent in Dogon culture?

Sign of surrender

Dogon, Plank figure (front and back) with raised arms, 16th-17th c., Mali.
A Figure with Both Hands Up: indicates a specific demand or protection against evil. Standing Dege with raised hands: Represents Praying to the gods

Symbol for celebration

Gesture of greeting

In Dogon culture, a figure with both hands up signifies a specific demand or protection against evil.

Explanation

In Dogon culture, a figure with both hands up signifies a specific demand or protection against evil.

2. What does a mask represent in Dogon country?

A form of currency used for trading goods

A tool for agriculture and farming practices

Represents the building of edifices in Dogon country. Very Easy to Make

A symbol of mourning and remembrance for ancestors

Masks in Dogon country hold cultural significance and are often used in ceremonial practices related to the building of important structures.

Explanation

Masks in Dogon country hold cultural significance and are often used in ceremonial practices related to the building of important structures.

3. What does the Dogon Satimbe or 'great woman' mask from Mali represent?

Ceremonial mask for men only

Symbol of fertility and rebirth

Dogon Satimbe or "great woman" mask 20th c. Mali. Represents a woman. Alludes to the origins of the mask in Dogon Culture created by bush spirits, gave them to the black ants, buzzard stole them then a woman finds them, puts it on, scares her husband, an old woman told him where they were and he then made himself into a mask and used the power to bend his wife's will to his own. From there on masks are for men only and demonstrate dominance over women. Only men can participate in masquerades - even when a female is depicted. Since then men have appropriated the masks and the fertilizing power that they bring to ensure the crops and assist in the journey of the recent dead into the bush where they await rebirth.

African tribal art

The Dogon Satimbe mask represents a woman and is used to demonstrate dominance over women in Dogon culture. Only men can participate in masquerades, even when a female is depicted in the mask. The mask also symbolizes the power to ensure crops and assist in the journey of the recent dead into the bush for rebirth.

Explanation

The Dogon Satimbe mask represents a woman and is used to demonstrate dominance over women in Dogon culture. Only men can participate in masquerades, even when a female is depicted in the mask. The mask also symbolizes the power to ensure crops and assist in the journey of the recent dead into the bush for rebirth.

4. What is a Dodon?

Dodon, bedye mask, 20th c. MaliBedye means pupil. All the dancers will prepare a bedye which is a simple cloth mask. They wear it during the opening weeks of fire or night masks. During this period the dancers choose to construct one or more masks of the tree or other animal. The clothing of the dancers recalls the origins of the Dogon mask tradition with the pointed breasts as masks being discovered by women.

A type of fruit commonly found in Mali

An ancient tribe living in Mali

A traditional dance performed in Mali

The Dodon refers to a specific type of cloth mask used by dancers in Mali during certain traditional ceremonies.

Explanation

The Dodon refers to a specific type of cloth mask used by dancers in Mali during certain traditional ceremonies.

5. What is Togu Na?

Dogon, togu na c. 1980's Tenyu Irele, Malieight posts recall the eight nommo. Togu na have eight layers of millet stalks and the roofs are not tall enough for a person to stand erect. These are meeting places for the elder men to make decisions for the village. The renovated Tenyu Irele Togu Na was done by holding a contest where people were divided into groups of three and could select the artist that they wished to carve their post. The artwork on these posts shows a departure from traditional religious or spiritual iconography. The togu na are aligned along the cardinal points.

A type of food dish popular in West Africa

Traditional dance form in Mali

An ancient burial practice in Mali

Togu Na is specifically referring to the meeting places for elder men in Mali for decision-making purposes. It is not related to traditional dance, food, or burial practices.

Explanation

Togu Na is specifically referring to the meeting places for elder men in Mali for decision-making purposes. It is not related to traditional dance, food, or burial practices.