Masque hyène "suruku" ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3042256

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, 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, projection on the head, which contains the life-giving energy “nyama”, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
the masks are regarded 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.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142075