Monkey mask "ngon" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3045334
Description
wood, base
“Ngon” masks are worn by masqueraders that enter the village compound to announce the start of the “korè” initiation period.
The masqueraders mimic the promiscuous, uncivilised and rowdy behaviour of monkeys, introducing humour and satire to celebrations while also demonstrating the undesired characteristics of boys (who will soon become men).
The object Monkey mask “ngon” with the object ID 3045334 was last part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction at March 9, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 100.
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. 108, Kat.87
Publications
AHDRC: 0160621