Kònò Helmet Mask

19th–mid-20th century

Not on view

Kòmò and kònò associations construct helmet masks that express the organizations' power through their awesome and terrifying appearances. The two institutions extend across the western areas of West Africa and are among the most revered power associations in the region. Each organization fosters a unique body of knowledge, kept secret from men who are not members and most women. Members use their knowledge to counteract malevolence and manage complex social, psychological, and medical problems. The creation of this work combined the efforts of a professional sculptor to produce the structure with the knowledge of a kònò leader to add complementary esoteric materials to its surface.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Kònò Helmet Mask
Date: 19th–mid-20th century
Geography: Mali
Culture: Bamana peoples
Medium: Wood, sacrificial patina
Dimensions: H .8 1/4 x W. 11 1/8 x D. 40 5/8 in. (21 x 28.2 x 103.2 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969
Object Number: 1978.412.361
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

In the same medium

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Priest with raised arms, Dogon blacksmith, Wood, applied organic materials, Dogon — Priest with raised arms
Dogon blacksmith
14th–17th century

Seated couple, "Barnes Foundation Master", Wood, copper and iron alloy, applied organic materials, Dogon — Seated couple
"Barnes Foundation Master"
18th–early 19th century

Gwandusu, Bamana numu (blacksmith), Wood (Cordyla africana or Lonchocarpus), applied organic materials, Bamana — Gwandusu
Bamana numu (blacksmith)
15th–17th century

Gwantigi, Bamana numu (blacksmith), Wood, Bamana peoples — Gwantigi
Bamana numu (blacksmith)
15th–17th century

Seated figure, Middle Niger artist, Terracotta, Middle Niger civilization — Seated figure
Middle Niger artist
13th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.