16. Bamana Konó Elephant mask
31" tall (78cm)
A Konó Elephant mask, Samakun, the elongated trunk with a trompetlike end, pierced through by an abstract snout with two rows of zigzag teeth, the domed head decorated with a lizzard or cameleon, framed by large spoon-shaped ears, with attachment-holes at the rim; heavy encrusted sacrification patina, remnants of encrusted blood from chickens and dogs, traces of age and longlasting ritual use, probably Bougouni region.
For an analogous exemplare s. Bamana Rietberg catalogue, 2003; cat 176 "This object is put on a structure evoking the body of an elephant. During the Samadoo rite, a crucial phase in the Jo initiation, the initiates "enter into the body of an elephant".
"Masks of the Konó association, which enforces civic morality, are also elongated and encrusted with sacrificial material. The Kono masks were also used in agricultural rituals, mostly to petition for a good harvest. They usually represent an animal head with long open snout and long ears standing in a V from the head, often covered with mud. In contrast to Komo masks, which are covered with feathers, horns and teeth, those of the kono society are elegant and simple. The headdress are worn horizontally."
photo and text: Wolfgang Jaenicke
RH, 2019, NA, AQF-GQF
16. Bamana Konó Elephant mask
31" tall (78cm)
A Konó Elephant mask, Samakun, the elongated trunk with a trompetlike end, pierced through by an abstract snout with two rows of zigzag teeth, the domed head decorated with a lizzard or cameleon, framed by large spoon-shaped ears, with attachment-holes at the rim; heavy encrusted sacrification patina, remnants of encrusted blood from chickens and dogs, traces of age and longlasting ritual use, probably Bougouni region.
For an analogous exemplare s. Bamana Rietberg catalogue, 2003; cat 176 "This object is put on a structure evoking the body of an elephant. During the Samadoo rite, a crucial phase in the Jo initiation, the initiates "enter into the body of an elephant".
"Masks of the Konó association, which enforces civic morality, are also elongated and encrusted with sacrificial material. The Kono masks were also used in agricultural rituals, mostly to petition for a good harvest. They usually represent an animal head with long open snout and long ears standing in a V from the head, often covered with mud. In contrast to Komo masks, which are covered with feathers, horns and teeth, those of the kono society are elegant and simple. The headdress are worn horizontally."
photo and text: Wolfgang Jaenicke
RH, 2019, NA, AQF-GQF