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

"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.