Animal (primate) mask, carved and painted black. Animal with a long snout, flat nose, large mouth baring teeth, yellow eyes, raised eyebrows, deep eye sockets, and large rounded ears on the side of the head.

• History Of Use

  Sogo bò (animals come out), a multi-media spectacle of masquerades, puppetry, drumming and song, was originally practiced by Bozo fishing communities--until the mid-nineteenth century when it was adopted by the Bamana blacksmith guild. The animal masks mainly depict those classified as 'sogofin', dark, powerful creatures such as monkeys, hyenas, lions, wild cats, antelopes, hippopotami, and elephants, those which are heavily infused with 'nyama' (life-force).

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• Type of Item mask
• Culture Bozo, Bamana
• Material wood, paint
• Measurements height 44.0 cm, width 23.5 cm, depth 23.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Segou

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3420/0060