Hyaena mask "suruku" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3040026

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, remains of pigments, of typical form with big, open snout, rep. (breakage right horn tip), small missing parts through insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion;
the inauguration into “koré” society, marks the transition of young boys to grown-up men. The “koré” is celebrated every seven years. A community of young initiates of different age experiences their symbolic death. In order to “revive” as adults, they have to abandon the privileges of childhood from now on and have to prove their ability to be a “cè fari”, a “strong-minded man”.