Africa, West Africa, Mali, Bamana-style blacksmith-carver / possibly early to mid-1900s
Helmet Mask
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Helmet Mask as mask (Africa, West Africa, Mali, Bamana-style blacksmith-carver · possibly early to mid-1900s).
This mask likely depicts a hyena, an animal known for its intellect and knowledge of the bush.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this mask as Wood and organic materials.
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtHelmet MaskOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.