A rare Dogon crocodile mask

agye, of helmet-shaped form, the long, broad snout comprised of two plank-like projections bisected by a medial ridge of openwork zigzag design terminating in a ridged crest and framed by protruding conical eyes and two iron disc-like attachments, pierced at the rim of the mask and perimeter of the snout for attachment; varied aged and encrusted surface decorated with dots and geometric motifs in red, black and white pigment.

Collected by the owner in the Kendi District of Mali, April 10, 1967

Cf. Griaule (1963: 417, figure 74) for a closely related mask pictured in situ. See also (ibid.: 507, figure 126) for a sketch and discussion of another related mask.