Monkey mask "ngon" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3045334
not available anymore
Provenance
Iwanovski, Nancy, FranceSize
H: 41,5 cm
H: 16.3 inch
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).
Comparing literature
Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 108, Kat.87
Publications
AHDRC: 0160621