Kananga masks form geometric patterns. These masks represent the first human beings and are normally made by carvers of the Awa society. The masks are worn during the Dama dancing ceremonies The Dogon believe that the Dama dance creates a bridge into the supernatural world. Without the Dama dance, the dead cannot cross over into peace.
Typical characteristic of this mask is the dual cross with short bars extending up across the top piece and down on the bottom piece. The top portion of the vertical bar sometimes bear an animal, human or abstract figure. The masks are normally painted white and black. Common features are the rectangular face, thin long nose and large eyeholes.