Description
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.
Provenance
Robert Jacobsen [1912-1993], Copenhagen, Denmark; Reginauld Groux, Paris; Urs Albrecht, Basel, Switzerland (ca. 1980s–2005); Ernst Beyeler [1921-2010], Riehen/Basel, Switzerland (as selling agent for Albrecht) (2005); Private collection, New York, NY (2005–2011); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2011–)
Accession Number
2011.196
Medium
Wood and organic materials
Dimensions
Overall: 36 cm (14 3/16 in.)
Classification
Mask
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund