Animal mask, carved and painted. Oval mask with a bulbous forehead, strong brow ridge, and long rectangular nose. The face has small cutout circular eyes lined with red, and an oval red mouth. There is a blue, white and yellow fabric cover attached to the back.

• 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, fibre
• Measurements height 41.0 cm, width 24.0 cm, depth 17.0 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 fair
• Accession Number 3420/0058