Zoomorphic mask "kono" · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3050998
Bruno Heimberg (1933-2023), Munich, Germany
Description
wood,
“Kono” is a dangerous, omnipotent force that resolves conflicts, keeps social order and must be placated through ritual and performance.
“Kono” masks are commonly polymorphous and merge the features of different powerful spirits or forces of nature. This mask depicts a mythical beast, a composite creature loosely based on both elephant and crocodile.
The thickly encrusted sacrificial patina of burnt plants and magical substances testifies to the great spiritual power with which masks of this type are endowed.
The object Zoomorphic mask “kono” with the object ID 3050998 was part of the auction Auction 103 on November 16, 2024, lot number 10 at that time and is currently available for EUR 1,500 in Open sale.
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.