Bambara (Bamana, Banmana), Mali

Kore monkey ceremonial mask. The  Bambara live in the region around Bamako, the capital of Mali. They form the largest ethnic group within the country. They live principally from agriculture, with some subsidiary hunting and cattle rearing in the northern part of their territory. The Bambara maintain many of their ancient religious rites, which are principally concerned with agriculture. The masks of the Bambara can be classified according to the secret societies in which they were used, namely the N’tomo, Kore, Kono, and Komo. Through the six levels of education the initiate learns the importance of knowledge and secrecy, is taught to challenge sorcery, and learns about the dual nature of mankind, the necessity for hard labor in the production of crops, and the realities of surviving from day to day. The Bambara excelled in three types of sculpture: stylized antelope headdresses, statues, and masks. The Kore society, concerned with the sky and with the bringing of rain to make the crops grow, employs masks representing the hyena, lion, monkey, antelope, and horse. This monkey mask is one of them.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 13½”, W. 8”, D. 6”

Price:  $210+$33 (S&H)                                        [#U4B4M123]