Bamana Koro Society Mask Hyena Suruku African Start Price USD 280.00 Current Price USD 280.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Bamana Koro Society Mask Hyena Suruku African' Description Title: Bamana Koro Society Mask Hyena Suruku, Mali, AfricanType of Object: Face maskEthnic Group: BamanaCountry of Origin: MaliMaterials: Wood, cotton fabricApproximate Age: 20th centuryDimensions: 15 inches H.Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Worn patinaAdditional Information: This is a Kore society mask representing an hyena (Suruku). It presents a large face with a prominent forehead, a concave face divided in two by a straight nose, two pointed ears, tubular eyes, and an open mouth. A piece of fabric shows traces of the costume used with this mask. The mask is made out of dense wood and shows signs of use. The overall condition is good. Suruku mask is worn by adult Bamana males during the initiation of young men into adult status. All Bamana males advance through various levels of initiation and secret knowledge and the Kore mask appears for only the most senior of men representing their personal struggle to achieve knowledge and wisdom. The symbolism of this mask identifies it as a suruku mask of the Kore society. Suruku masks are seen as a combination of human and hyena features. Hyenas are thought by the Bamana to represent foolish behavior reflecting an uninformed view of the world, very much like the young male initiates. Carved in secret by the by the blacksmith the mask was made from a single piece of wood and reflects the skill of the Bamana sculptor. I have examined this piece and agree with the description.Niangi Batulukisi, Ph.D.**039620** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!