Hyaena mask "suruku"

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Description

wood, shiny brown patina, of typical form with forehead tattoos, open mouth and long ears, pierced around the rim, min. dam., missing parts (right ear), traces of abrasion;
the inauguration into “koré” society, marks the transition of young boys to grown-up men. The “koré” is celebrated every seven years. A community of young initiates of different age experiences their symbolic death. In order to “revive” as adults, they have to abandon the privileges of childhood from now on and have to prove their ability to be a “cè fari”, a “strong-minded man”.

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Comparing literature

Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 116 ff.

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Exhibition

Oberwil 1990, No 140

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