Hyaena mask "suruku" of the "korè" society ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3041437

Description

wood, softly luminous blackish-brown patina, elongated narrow snout lined by drilled holes with teeth in shape of wooden aglets inserted, forehead ridge with small horn-like projection, long ears with drilled holes for attachment of ornament, slightly dam. (nose), minor missing parts (horn tips, some teeth missing), small traces of insect caused damage, abrasion/traces of usage backside;
the Bamana have six different men’s associations known collectively as “jow”. These associations are “ntomo”, “kore”, “kono”, “nama”, “komo” and “chi wara” and serve to regulate society, initiate, instruct and inform men in the complexities of Bamana religion and philosophy as they strive for spiritual fulfillment. “Kore” is identified with the highest level of spiritual instruction to achieve self-knowledge. “Kore” society used a number of different animal masks such as lions “jaraw”, monkeys “sulaw” and hyenas “suruku”. Within the scope of the “koré” celebration the hyaena in most cases symbolizes the effort of the initiates to perfect their secret knowledge.