Crowds entering the Mali section, ready to explore the traditional and modern crafts and textiles of Mali

Traditional Malian Carved Wooden Sculpture

The Timbuktu Stage, where patrons have the opportunity to experience Malian music and dance. The Smithsonian Castle is seen in the background and a Malian adobe gate welcomes visitors to experience the culture of Mali.

The musicians play as the crowd gazes at the masked Dogon dancers. The crowd roared as this dancer on stilts entered the tent from outisde

The Dogon dancer on stilts takes a rest, while the band continues to play

Dogon Masked dancer entertains the packed tent

Dancing away! In traditional Dogon masks and apparel

The Dogon dancer on stilts dwarfs over the fellow Dogon dancer, the crowd looks on in awe

How they keep their balance is amazing!

His mask represents the ancestors of the Dogon people and the style a snake. Entering and exiting the tent was a talent in itself, the ability to move the head back in forth in sync with the music was impressive

The Dogon dancers wearing masks representing ancestry and courage

Taking a final walk around the stage

The band, the dancers and the Mayor take a walk around the dance floor before leaving the Timbuktu stage

View of the Balafon

Traditional Malian dancing