Masks of West Africa: The Dagon People

Author: (American) Payne, translated by Gao Fei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The village of the Dagon people is nestled on the cliffs of the Bongará Gorges, which are listed on the World Heritage List. The Bongará Plateau is one of the most geologically distinctive places in West Africa. The woodcarving art of the Dagon people, as well as their mask dances and cliff burials, are the soul of their traditional culture for several centuries. The Dagon tribe is a patriarchal society, where all members of the same village share the same surname. The Dagon people live in one of the most beautiful places in West Africa, with their village perched on the cliffs of the Bongará Gorges, which are listed on the World Heritage List. The Niger River, renowned far and wide, flows alongside the cliffs. This is one of the most geologically and geomorphologically distinctive places in West Africa. However, this beautiful place is not one of the most suitable places for human habitation: only five months of the year receive precipitation, and very few plants can survive in such an environment. Yet, the Dagon people have thrived for generations on this land that challenges human limits and have created a unique, rich, and splendid culture. The woodcarving art of the Dagon people, as well as their mask dances and cliff burials, are the soul of their traditional culture for several centuries. Despite the impact of today's tourism wave, they still maintain their traditional lifestyle unchanged. Even more intriguing is that the Dagon tribe is a completely patriarchal society, where all members of the same village share the same surname.