A Bamana Hyena mask from Mali, stylized as a hyena head with square eyes, a pair of ears and a beak-like square mouth with hands clearly carved on the sides of the snout, it has a horn like protrusion on the center of the head. Light wood, aged patina; traces of ritual use.

“The mask of the suruku, or hyena, was worn by a masker of the Korè, a male initiation association. In some Bamana communities it may have served to chase curious non-initiates away from the association’s sacred grove during secret ceremonies. Masks in the form of ‘lazy’ or ‘wily’ animals like the hyena were also used in performances that criticized hypocritical individuals and the authority of immoral elders.” Source: National Museums Liverpool

Height: 43 cm
Weight: 2,8 kg (incl. stand)