Village entertainment produced by age-set associations (ton), Bougouni village, Mali

Object Details

Topic: Rites and ceremonies -- Africa; Dance; Music; Headdresses -- headgear -- Africa

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Mali

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: "The two major traditional entertainments produced by ton are the koteba, a satirical form of comical theater, and dances that usually include masks or headdresses. Masks and dances reserved for the oldest ton groups are those which require the greatest skill in presentation and wherein camouflages are often very elaborate and complex. Many of these dances awe the women and children, one of their chief goals. Many masks are clearly zoomorphic. These animal models serve as surrogates for human characteristics, so that performances not only entertain but also convey social criticism and moral lessons. Audiences play an integrated participatory role with performers by reacting in a demonstrate way to satire, moralizing messages, miming and dancing abilities, and the artistic talent visible in both masks and costuming." [Imperato P. J., 1980: Bambara and Malinke Ton Masquerades. African arts; August 1980. volume XIII, number 4]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.