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Le Dama d’Ambara – Enchanter la mort

Jean Rouch
1974 France 60 minutes French

Every five years, the mask society of the Dogons of Sanga, Mali, organizes a great Dama, a ceremony to end the period of mourning and drive away “the dangerous thing”. The Dama shown here is for seven dignitaries, one of whom was called Ambara Dolo. The Dama lasts fpr three days, during which the new painted marks march and dance to enchant the souls of the dead that weigh on the village.

Production :
Comité du Film ethnographique CFE; Serddav
Distribution :
CNRS Images