Kono Mask

Date20th century

Label TextEquipped to “fight fire with fire,” Kono dancers wore a feather cloak beneath this ominous mask. Secrecy surrounds Kono proceedings, which are known to resolve conflicts, calm or punish troublemakers, and even intimidate soul- eating creatures. Their actions include dancing with tremendous energy and then being flattered with songs which are softly whispered in their ears.

Object number2009.55.3

Provenance[Purchased by Galerie Le Corneur Roudillon, 1963]; purchased by the donor at an Artcurial sale in Paris, Hotel Dassault, December 8, 2003, donated to SAM 2009

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Published ReferencesDe Grunne, Bernard, ArtCurial Sale catalogue, Briest Poulain, Le Fur Expert, 2003, lot 7

Credit LineGift of Richard and Susan Slesinger Ulevitch

Dimensions40 x 9 x 15 in. (101.6 x 22.9 x 38.1 cm)

MediumWood, reed, sacrificial patina