Hyaena mask "suruku" of the "korè" society ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3040837

Description

wood, matt black patina, narrow concave face with bulging forehead and strong elongated nose bridge, eyes and snout openworked, raised grooves in pairs on both sides of the face, small ears with remains of ornament (cord, silver metal rings), slightly dam., minor missing parts, rep. (breakage right ear, possibly forehead/root of the nose), abrasion of paint backside along rim, crack, base;
the masks are looked upon as bearers of energy, and already during their making they receive blood sacrifices. During the performance the dancers take 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.