Hyaena mask "suruku" of the "korè society" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3034827

Description

wood, dark brown patina, pointed triangular protruding nose, jagged forehead ridge and opened mouth, pierced around the rim, small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
the masks are considered as bearers of energy, and already during their making they receive blood sacrifices. During the performance the dancers show 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.

The object Hyaena mask “suruku” of the “korè society” with the object ID 3034827 was last part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction at May 25, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 127.

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