Hyaena mask "suruku"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, oval form with protruding forehead and pointed chin, tusk-like appendage underneath the nose, both ears with circualr drillings, min. dam., fine cracks, traces of insect caused damage (back), slight traces of abrasion;
the masks are looked upon as bearers of energy, and already during their making they receive blood sacrifices. During the performance the dancers take a crooked posture, leaning on short sticks, which optical lengthens their arms and imitates the bearing of a hyaena. The meaning of the hyaena mask differs according to the respective context of its appearance. Within the scope of the “koré” celebration the hyaena in most cases symbolizes the effort of the initiates to perfect their secret knowledge.

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Comparing literature

Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 123, ill. 110

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Publications

Arts d'Afrique Noire 126 (2003), p. 44; Galerie Alain Bovis (ed.), Sculptures. Paris 2003, ill. 6

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