The Dama, or the African Mask Dance, has been performed for hundreds of years however is only performed every sixty years as it is based on a celestial cycle that refers to a star that circles around Sirius (Rik Pinxten, 2015). It is a significant part of the African history to follow this particular celestial cycles. The Dama is a ritual dance for the Dogon Tribe of Mali, situated in West Africa. This essay will examine and analyse the movement and non-movement components within the dance. It will also analyse how this ritual dance preserves the Dogon Tribe’s culture and history.
The Dama ritual dance holds a vital importance in the Dogon history as it represents the barrier between life and death. This dance is performed to aide their respected …show more content…
The fast flicking of the wrist can be seen for a majority of this piece and is used to represent a bird spreading its wings, about to take flight. An example of this can be identified at the beginning of this dance. Each dancer travels in a circular motion, whilst doing this movement to represent the coming together of the souls and spirits. Not only is this an example of one the motifs utilised within this dance but is also a symbol for moving into the …show more content…
They use exquisite movement and non-movement qualities to represent important aspects of their culture including animals, tribal members and powerful spirits that they are connected with. They are an enriched culture who stand by their morals and values and strongly believe their ancestors transition into the afterlife through the use of dance. Death is viewed as more of a celebration then a mourning in Dogon culture, aiding the elders in transitioning to the after-world. This ritual dance is full of important and relevance for the Dogon’s allowing them to communicate with the spirits of their respected elder which is detrimental to their culture.
The Dama ‘Mask’ dance has effectively manipulated movement and non-movement qualities throughout this ritual dance in order to adequately preserve and obtain their culture and history. Their use of specific movements and costuming allowed them to connect with their ancestors and aide them in passing peacefully to the after-life (Chris Rainier, 2003). It is a visually captivating dance and proves that this ritual dance accurately portrays how the Dogon Tribe of Mali, West Africa, preserves their culture and history through the legacy of this ritual
The Dama ritual dance holds a vital importance in the Dogon history as it represents the barrier between life and death. This dance is performed to aide their respected …show more content…
The fast flicking of the wrist can be seen for a majority of this piece and is used to represent a bird spreading its wings, about to take flight. An example of this can be identified at the beginning of this dance. Each dancer travels in a circular motion, whilst doing this movement to represent the coming together of the souls and spirits. Not only is this an example of one the motifs utilised within this dance but is also a symbol for moving into the …show more content…
They use exquisite movement and non-movement qualities to represent important aspects of their culture including animals, tribal members and powerful spirits that they are connected with. They are an enriched culture who stand by their morals and values and strongly believe their ancestors transition into the afterlife through the use of dance. Death is viewed as more of a celebration then a mourning in Dogon culture, aiding the elders in transitioning to the after-world. This ritual dance is full of important and relevance for the Dogon’s allowing them to communicate with the spirits of their respected elder which is detrimental to their culture.
The Dama ‘Mask’ dance has effectively manipulated movement and non-movement qualities throughout this ritual dance in order to adequately preserve and obtain their culture and history. Their use of specific movements and costuming allowed them to connect with their ancestors and aide them in passing peacefully to the after-life (Chris Rainier, 2003). It is a visually captivating dance and proves that this ritual dance accurately portrays how the Dogon Tribe of Mali, West Africa, preserves their culture and history through the legacy of this ritual