This mask was created in the style of the Bamana people of Mali. Kore masks are used during the last of the 6 levels of initiation societies. Kore is the stage known as attaining divinity. This particular mask measures 13 inches tall and weighs 1 pound. There is a missing tip on the left horn and some minor imperfections throughout – please see photos. Stand is not included.
Type of Object | Face Mask |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Mali |
Ethnicity | Bamana/Bambara |
Material | Wood, Pigment |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height | 13" |
Width | 5.5" |
Depth | 4.5" |
Weight | 1 lb |
Overall Condition | Scrapes, scuffs, missing tip of left horn |
Additional Information | Kore Mask |
Tribe Information
About the Bamana People
“The 2,500,000 Bambara people, also called Bamana, form the largest ethnic group within Mali and occupy the central part of the country, in an area of the savannah. They live principally from agriculture, with some subsidiary cattle rearing in the northern part of their territory. The Bambara people are predominantly animists, although recently the Muslim faith has been spreading among them. The Bambara kingdom was founded in the 17th century and reached its pinnacle between 1760 and 1787 during the reign of N’golo Diarra is credited with conquering the Peul people and in and in turned claimed the cities of Djenne and Timbuktu. However, during the 19th century, the kingdom began to decline and ultimately fell to the French when they arrived in 1892. For the most part, Bambara society is structured around six male societies, known as the Dyow (sing Dyo).”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
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Additional Information
About the Kore Mask
In the Bamana culture, there are six initiation societies, Kore being the last and is known as the stage of attaining divinity. They believe in endless re-incarnation and that each time he returns to earth, that God removes a portion of his spiritual nature and keeps it in Heaven. Therefore, if uninitiated, the deity will become completely reabsorbed. To ensure infinite reincarnations, the Kore teachings are essential.
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