AAAS/FA-74B Introduction to African Art

Compilation of numerous films and videos dating from the 1930s to 2014 ... Comprehensive overview of Dogon environment, history, daily life, art and architecture techniques, altars, masked dancing at funerals, and dama and sigi rituals. Extensive list of sources at end.

Polly Richards, dir.; produced by Enid Schildkraut. Footage of dancing, audience, and location in the village. English subtitles provide an outline of activities. Days 1–11, masks are prepared and elders perform rituals in private. Day 12, masks enter the village and perform in a public area. Days 13–14, dances continue.

Polly Richards, dir.; produced by Enid Schildkraut. English subtitles provide outline of activities. Days 15–16, masks perform on rooftop of eldest male deceased. Day 17, people from neighboring villages arrive for largest and final dance of dama. After the final dance, elders conduct closing rites in private to send souls of deceased to final resting place.

Polly Richards, dir.; produced by Enid Schildkrout. Alternates clips of Dogon masked dancing with statements about masks from a variety of perspectives, including a carver, dancers, women, Malian museum director, and others. In French and Dogon, with English subtitles.