Accession Number1971/2.20
TitleKore Society Hyena Mask
Artist(s)SenufoArtist NationalitySenufo (culture or style)Object Creation Date1900-1971Medium & Supportwood and pigmentDimensions 15 1/2 in x 8 1/16 in x 6 1/16 in (39.4 cm x 20.5 cm x 15.4 cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of ArtLabel copyThis mask is used by members of the Kore association, which is the highest-ranking association among the Bamana. Kore rituals are performed to maintain harmony between man and nature. Often, rites include making supplications for rainfall to insure abundant crops. During ceremonies, masked society members form a court in which different animals function as courtiers. Each animal mask plays a particular role in the court ceremony. The hyena guards the secrecy of the rituals by keeping away the uninitiated.
Primary Object Classification Wood and Woodcarving Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Animals
masks
masks (costume)
woodwork