Suruku koun (hyena) mask

19th–mid-20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341

Bamana mask performances are a means to safely release nyama (life force), which is potentially dangerous in large, uncontrolled amounts. The release of this pervasive energy helped maintain order in the community. Some animals are endowed with more nyama than others. As devious tricksters, hyenas are understood to have a particularly strong life force. Hyena mask performances are marked by unpredictable behaviors, which might include the dancer darting swiftly among the assembled spectators.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Suruku koun (hyena) mask
Artist: Malinke numu (blacksmith)
Date: 19th–mid-20th century
Geography: Mali
Culture: Malinke peoples
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. 13 1/2 × W. 7 7/8 × D. 9 3/8 in. (34.3 × 20 × 23.8 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969
Object Number: 1978.412.293
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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