Bambara (or Bamana), Mali: An old ‘Kono mask’.
The Bambara, the largest tribe in Mali, have a socio-religious organisation consisting of associations of men, called ‘dyo’. These are organised in six progressive ranks, all of which a Bambara man must go through. The present mask – actually a dance crest, since it is worn horizontally on the head – belongs to the fourth rank, known as ‘kono’. It is used in initiation rituals granting access to the fourth, or ‘kono’, rank. It is a composite mask made of different animal features. Thus, the elongated mouth piece can be interpreted as an elephant trunk or as the beak of a large bird, etc. The present ‘kono mask’ displays a small horn attached to its forehead and a black ball filled with ‘magic material’ (a ‘boli’) tied to its long ‘beak’ (or ‘trunk’). At the funnel-shaped end of the ‘trunk’ are all-round holes, in which feathers were once inserted (as also on the ears of the mask).
Overall a very old piece, with an impressive black, partly encrusted and shiny patina on all sides, and with age-related tears and some small pieces broken off. Between the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century; L: 68 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Belgian collection.
Lit.: ‘Bamana’ by Jean-Paul Colleyn, ill. 22, 23, 24.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 4,375.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 6,000.- to EUR 7,000.-
Bambara (or Bamana), Mali: An old ‘Kono mask’.
The Bambara, the largest tribe in Mali, have a socio-religious organisation consisting of associations of men, called ‘dyo’. These are organised in six progressive ranks, all of which a Bambara man must go through. The present mask – actually a dance crest, since it is worn horizontally on the head – belongs to the fourth rank, known as ‘kono’. It is used in initiation rituals granting access to the fourth, or ‘kono’, rank. It is a composite mask made of different animal features. Thus, the elongated mouth piece can be interpreted as an elephant trunk or as the beak of a large bird, etc. The present ‘kono mask’ displays a small horn attached to its forehead and a black ball filled with ‘magic material’ (a ‘boli’) tied to its long ‘beak’ (or ‘trunk’). At the funnel-shaped end of the ‘trunk’ are all-round holes, in which feathers were once inserted (as also on the ears of the mask).
Overall a very old piece, with an impressive black, partly encrusted and shiny patina on all sides, and with age-related tears and some small pieces broken off. Between the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century; L: 68 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Belgian collection.
Lit.: ‘Bamana’ by Jean-Paul Colleyn, ill. 22, 23, 24.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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