The Boundaries Between Male and Female
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The
Dogon belief of the twin souls, the Nummo pair, creates dualities in their
society. One of these dualities is the
dual nature of women and men. Men are
the political leaders in the Dogon society, however women are the culture
bearers and caretakers; those who are responsible for teaching tradition and
oral history to the next generation.[1] The Dogon do not seek to cross or blur the
boundaries between men and women, but strife to keep the boundaries in tact and
find a balance between them.
The stool within the Dogon culture is very spiritual and represents the tree of life. These stools are Stool, Dogon peoples, Mali, often depicted with ancestor couples. The couples
late 19th to early 20th century, are used to represent the balance that is sought
wood, pigment between men and women, as well as, the
importance of the twin figures.
The stool within the Dogon culture is very spiritual and represents the tree of life. These stools are Stool, Dogon peoples, Mali, often depicted with ancestor couples. The couples
late 19th to early 20th century, are used to represent the balance that is sought
wood, pigment between men and women, as well as, the
importance of the twin figures.
Mask of the Gelede, Benin, polychrome wood, traces of red, yellow, black, and blue, Black Africa, p. 93
Mother masks and bird masks refer to and dramatize the spiritual side of womanhood.[2] The Gelede masquerade is performed to honor Our Mothers. Both men and women dance in the masquerade, however only the men wear the mask. This dance is performed to persuade the mother ancestors to watch over the community.
The bird on top of the head is a reference to woman. Even though this mask has a beard it still references a woman. The addition of the beard is meant to represent an elder woman, her elder status significantly represents her knowledge and wisdom.
See a Gelede Mask Ceremony being performed on YouTube.
Mother masks and bird masks refer to and dramatize the spiritual side of womanhood.[2] The Gelede masquerade is performed to honor Our Mothers. Both men and women dance in the masquerade, however only the men wear the mask. This dance is performed to persuade the mother ancestors to watch over the community.
The bird on top of the head is a reference to woman. Even though this mask has a beard it still references a woman. The addition of the beard is meant to represent an elder woman, her elder status significantly represents her knowledge and wisdom.
See a Gelede Mask Ceremony being performed on YouTube.