Lagassa Lyai (Mask) - Dogon Tribe

Although worn by a man, the Lagassa Lyai symbolises the honesty of the unmarried girls in the community.

It is common for unmarried animist Dogon girls to bring food and water to their spiritual leader. The spiritual leader, known as the 'Hogon', is the head of the community. The animist Dogon place spiritual significance on particular animals, trees and objects, one of which being turtles.
To test the girl's integrity, the Hogon will first offer the food and water to the turtle before consuming it himself. Should the turtle accept the offering, the Hogon knows that it has not been poisoned, and is, therefore, safe to eat.

The Lagassa Lyai represents this ritual in the dance.

Read about our travels through Mali here.

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