Helmet Mask
Unknown Artist
mid- to late 1800s
Medium
Wood and probably resin
Dimensions
h. 47 cm
Classification
Mask
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund
Accession Number
2004.84
About this artwork
Combining animal and human traits, this example of a genre of mask called suruku, meaning “hyena,” most likely belonged to the Korè, one of six power associations that the Malinke would have adopted from their Bamana neighbors. The Korè is concerned with the circumcision and initiation of male youths into adulthood. The mask probably served as one of the symbols of the different Korè classes.