Masque facial anthropomorphe "konden" ou "ntomo"
· Mali, Malinké / Bamana
·
ID: 3048690
Roger Bourahimou, Brussels, Belgium (by 2015)
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 11 November 2017, Lot 212
Alfons Bermel, Obersteinbach, France
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany (2019)
Description
wood, silver sheet, base
Such masks were used in the context of boys’ initiation by both groups, the Malinke and Bamana people.
Among the Malinke, this mask type is the property of the “konden” initiation society and belongs to a mask family together with “Balani” and “Balani Toure”. “Konden” has a reputation for the finest dance movements, but also of being quick to strike out with his riping crop to punish naughty children. He embodies a kind of “bogeyman” that parents use as a threat to keep their children in check.
Among the Bamana these masks are the property of the “ntomo” initiation society, whose apprenticeship lasts five years. The main aim of “ntomo” is to prepare the uncircumcised boys for adulthood. The “ntomo” mask dancer also carries a rod, which is said to have been used for the ritual flagellation of boys.
A mask from the same workshop was auctioned as lot 264 at Zemanek-Münster on 2 June 2012 (cf. AHDRC 0142421).
Publications
Marshall M. Ward, African Art from the New Jersey Collections, New Jersey 1983, Fig. 96AHDRC: 0126050