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Bamana Artist
Bamana Mask, suruku, Early 20th centuryMali, Koulikoro region
Early 20th century
Wood, cowrie shells, glass beads, fabric
Height: 17 inches (43.2 cm)
Provenance:
Collected in late 1960s to early 1970s by Karl-Heinz Kreig, Germany
Ex collection Anthony Patano, Chicago
Ex S. Thomas Alexander III, 1998
Exhibitions:
Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali. Museum for African Art, New York. 2 July 2001-15 February 2002; Museum Reitberg, Zurich. 9 September 2001-9 December 2001
Publications:
Jean-Paul Colleyn, ed. Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali. New York, Gent, Zurich: Museum for African Art, Snoeck-Ducaju and Zoon, Museum Rietberg, 2001. Cat. 103, p. 118Further images
The Suruku hyena mask is generally more anthropomorphic than realistic. It is characterized by a domed forehead and long snout with a rectangular or square mouth. These masks are considered...The Suruku hyena mask is generally more anthropomorphic than realistic. It is characterized by a domed forehead and long snout with a rectangular or square mouth. These masks are considered to be charged with energy and during their consecration are ritually washed before receiving sacrifices. The hyena most likely represent the initiate's efforts to obtain and perfect their secret knowledge. The suruku mask is danced within the Koré society initiation rituals.
