Zoomorphic mask "kono" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3037768
Description
wood, encrusted greyish brown patina, abstract form, composed of several animals (elephant, hyaena, antelope), crowned by a pair of horns with a small package of fabric to the front, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
six Bamana men associations accomplish masking ceremonies that reflect each group’s particular function within the community. Large encrusted masks of the “kono” association are used in ceremonies performed to keep civic morality.
The object Zoomorphic mask “kono” with the object ID 3037768 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 153 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,000.
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. 189, ill. 170