11:22
Bambara / Bamana — Mali
Early 20th century or earlier
Wood and pigment
Height: 15½ in (39.4 cm)
Provenance: Josef Herman, London
This Suruku mask is carved in the form of a hyena, with an elongated snout, pointed ears, pierced details, and worn pigment across an eroded surface consistent with performance use and extended handling. Among Bamana communities, Suruku masks were used within the Kore male initiation association, where the hyena served as a figure of cunning, social disruption, and the criticism of hypocrisy or improper authority. The angular form and alert animal character of the carving are well-suited to that performative and didactic function.
The piece was formerly in the collection of Josef Herman, London, the Polish-born British painter known for his engagement with working-class subjects and his serious interest in African art.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
11:22
Bambara / Bamana — Mali
Early 20th century or earlier
Wood and pigment
Height: 15½ in (39.4 cm)
Provenance: Josef Herman, London
This Suruku mask is carved in the form of a hyena, with an elongated snout, pointed ears, pierced details, and worn pigment across an eroded surface consistent with performance use and extended handling. Among Bamana communities, Suruku masks were used within the Kore male initiation association, where the hyena served as a figure of cunning, social disruption, and the criticism of hypocrisy or improper authority. The angular form and alert animal character of the carving are well-suited to that performative and didactic function.
The piece was formerly in the collection of Josef Herman, London, the Polish-born British painter known for his engagement with working-class subjects and his serious interest in African art.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
