Hyena dance mask, Bambara ethnic group, Mali, early 20th century

Wooden zoomorphic (animal) dance mask, representing a hyena, from the Bambara or Bamana ethnic group.
 the  mask  Hyena  is linked to the rites of Kore and is shown to  the end of the initiation.  He  demonstrates that the wearer belongs to the animal group that he embodies, monkey, lion or  hyena.
 The mask is presented on a custom-made base in heavy and solid metal.
 
 Provenance: private collection
 
 Collector's piece of primitive African art, Bambara, unique and unusual in the spirit of cabinets of curiosities.
 
 In its own juice, beautiful crusty patina.
 
 DIMENSIONS  :  H41.5xW18xD44cm
 DATE:  First half of the 20th century
 ORIGIN:  Mali, Bambara ethnic group
 WEIGHT :  1,630kg