Cleveland Museum of Art

Helmet Mask

Date

possibly early to mid-1900s

Medium

Wood and organic materials

Culture

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

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. This mask likely depicts a hyena, an animal known for its intellect and knowledge of the bush.

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