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Helmet Mask
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Belonging to the Kono association, one of the Bamana people’s most powerful men’s groups, this mask’s shape seems to evoke the hyena, an animal reputed for its intelligence and its knowledge of the bush. The Kono’s main task is to offer its members protection against witchcraft. It is also responsible for fostering fertility, solving conflicts, disciplining troublemakers, and sentencing criminals. Masquerades are among the Kono’s most public expressions; the mask’s performance is characterized by energy and vigor.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Bamana-style blacksmith-carver |
|---|---|
| Date | possibly early to mid-1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, West Africa, Mali, Bamana-style blacksmith-carver |
| Medium | Wood and organic materials |
| Dimensions | Overall: 36 cm (14 3/16 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Mask |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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