The Role of Masks in Dogon and Bamana Spiritual Ceremonies

In the Dogon culture of Mali, masks are used in their Sigui and other important rituals to connect with their ancestral spirits and to symbolize the spiritual world. Likewise, the Bamana people use masks in their N’tomo and Ci Wara rituals to honor the earth spirits and deities of agriculture. Each mask represents a specific spirit, deity, or ancestor, and its use in rituals serves to bridge the human and spiritual realms. These sacred masks are deeply tied to the social and spiritual fabric of these communities.