Zoomorphic mask of the "korè society" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3037468

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, short snout with large open mouth, dam., strong abrasion of paint, traces of insect caused damage, rep. in two places (cracks fixed by metal clamps), traces of old age;
the admission into the “korè” society marks the transition from boyhood to adulthood. The society is divided into various grades, which all have their own masks and totems. There are “surukuw” (hyaena) masks, masks of “sulaw” (apes) and of “jaraw” (lions). Present mask might represent a lion.