Last week marked the 14th edition of Dédougou’s FESTIMA (Festival International des Masques et des Arts de Dédougou). The event is held every two years and while there are other mask festivals around, FESTIMA is unique in that it shows off many different styles of masks all at the same time in the same place. Masks were mainly from Burkina, but groups from Benin, Togo, and Mali were also involved. Most of the spectators were from the immediate area, but the festival did draw some groups of international (mostly French) tourists.
Griots, along with other musicians, would bring the masks to life with their music – usually drums or a flute-type instrument. Each group, composed of griots, musicians, three to eight masks and a few others would perform at a time. Most masks represented animals while others represented spirits from the bush. It is said that once the performer dons his mask (women are not permitted to wear masks) he becomes the animal/spirit he is wearing. Locals told us that it often helps that the performer is a little tipsy.
Check out some of my favorite images from the festival below (and thanks to Hayley, who borrowed my camera for a few of these shots as I was trapped in the office during parts of the week). I’ll get some of the great video footage up once I get suitably fast internet.
I love the colors! Great pictures Scott. You really have an eye for photography. :-)))
Caro
What amazing pictures! Can you buy the masks, or they only make them for the festival?
Masks are available for sale, though I didn’t buy at the festival. I’ll try to pick one up in Ouaga before leaving. Any catch your eye?
I can see where the Broadway show Lion King wardrobe ideas came from – these are amazing. I think that BK will get tourists to come in just to see this display.
Seriously. I can’t believe there weren’t more people there (or that my Burkina guidebook hardly even mentions FESTIMA at all).
WOW! Beautiful pictures Scott – You totally captured the energy/vibe of the festival!
where’s my photo credit!!!!
yours look great by the way!
also just kidding, but i do need to grad them all from you next time i see you!
Photo credit added – sorry! And will be in Ouaga for COS, you coming?
Fantastic pictures, man! Really enjoyed this.
These are amazing. I so enjoy your pics and the blog
Awesome pictures!!