Hyaena mask "suruku" of the "korè" society · Mali, Bamana · ID: 3033828
Antonio Fiacco, Zurich, Switzerland
Description
wood, brown patina, anthropomorphic features, important characteristics: the elongated snout and the stylized mane, in shape of a small horn on the parting, drilled holes in nose and ears, dam., scratches, minor missing parts (horn, ears), cracks, paint rubbed off, on base;
the masks are considered as bearers of energy, and already during their making they receive blood sacrifices. During the performance the dancers show a crooked posture, leaning on short sticks, which optical lengthens their arms and imitates the bearing of a hyaena. The meaning of the hyaena mask differs according to the respective context of its appearance. Within the scope of the “koré” celebration the hyaena in most cases symbolizes the effort of the initiates to perfect their secret knowledge.
Littérature comparée
Colleyn, Jean Paul (Hg.), Bamana, Zürich 2001, p. 116 ff.