Kono Mask
Date20th century
Maker
Malian, Bamana culture
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 7Credit 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
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