The Bambara, with 3 million the largest group of people of Mali, are traditionally organised into secret leagues (‘Dyo’), which are subdivided into 6 subgroups based on age. Via initiations, one ascends into the next group. ‘Koré’ is the highest league and rank that one can attain. The present, very old mask once belonged to this ‘Koré league’: Carved of very hard, light-coloured wood, originally dyed dark brown. The long, narrow face features an arched forehead and small, round ears at the side. The deep-set eyes are rectangular, the nose is narrow and long, the small mouth is angular as well, and protruding forwards. The mouth sits above a long, rounded chin. The narrow, extremely elongated mask face indicates the stylistic influence of the Marka, a smaller neighbouring tribe of the Bambara. This is a mask which fascinates due to its plain simplicity and its age. With small, age-related damage (old breakages above the eyebrows, at the left ear and on the back rim at the top). Nevertheless, with visible, very old and shiny usage patina on front and back. Height: 27.5 cm.
Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Kegel-Konietzko Collection, Hamburg; currently: German private collection.

Lit.:
‘Bamana’ by J.-P. Colleyn, ill. 35, 36; ‘Bamana. Afrikanische Kunst aus Mali’ by J.-P Colleyn, Rietberg Museum, Zurich, ill. 90, 93.