Cleveland Museum of Art

Helmet Mask

Date

mid- to late 1800s

Medium

Wood and probably resin

Culture

Africa, West Africa, Mali, Malinke-style blacksmith-carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Combining animal and human traits, this example of a genre of mask called suruku , meaning “hyena,” most likely belonged to the Korè, one of six power associations that the Malinke would have adopted from their Bamana neighbors. The Korè is concerned with the circumcision and initiation of male youths into adulthood. The mask probably served as one of the symbols of the different Korè classes. Holes along the top ridge of this mask once held a crest made of cane, red fibers, and cowrie shells.

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