Hyena mask "suruku" of the "korè" society ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3050053

Description

wood, cowries,

To become an adult in Bamana society, males must be initiated into the “korè” society. Initiation involves symbolic death and rebirth, a test of courage and the chance to acquire adult knowledge.

Hyaena masks mostly appear as mythical teachers who know all the secrets of the bush and help the initiates to perfect their secret knowledge.

“Suruku” is also regarded as a bearer of energy. Blood sacrifices are made to it and ritual ablutions are performed while it is still being made. The small horn-like projection above the forehead is a container for life-giving energy “nyama”.

The object Hyena mask “suruku” of the “korè” society with the object ID 3050053 was last part of the auction 101st Auction at November 11, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 177 achieved a sales price of EUR 600.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

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