This very old Bamana mask (called kore suruku or nama koroni koun) depicts a hyena's head. This mask represents one of the totemic animals of the kore secret association (the sixth secret society of the Bamana). The hyena was admired for its strength and its craftiness. This mask was used during funerals and agrarian initiation rites, to seek the help of the protective spirits.

19^th century or earlier.

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