Kono Mask

20th century

Equipped 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.

Wood, reed, sacrificial patina

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

Gift of Richard and Susan Slesinger Ulevitch

2009.55.3

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: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

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

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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