 A Kònò Pig (?) Mask of high abstract form, the rounded head framed by oval ears pierced through at the rim, a carved horn at the forehead, the long stylized snout with carved teeth ending in a funnel-like trunk; an encrustred greyish sacrification patina with traces of use. "The Kònò masks are the largest, the most stylized an the barest of horizontal masks. Contary to the Kòmò mask, this mask´s form is very simple and seems naked compared to the Kòmò, as it is convered with horns, claws, teeth and feathers. The Kònò mask, simultaniously represents an elephant (wisdom, intelligence) and a bird (spirit, ubiquity) lays emphasis on the ears." Jean Paul Colleyn "the Kònò" in Bamana the Art of existence in Mali, Museum Rietberg, Museum for African Art, 2001: 185 800 - 1.200,- Euro Length: 55 cm
Two similar Kònò masks in shape of a stylized hyena and elephant we had in our last auction. They had the same high abstract form, all these pieces could be a creation from the same carver. They were coming from the same region near Koulikoro, Mali, the borderdestricht to Burkina Faso. |
photo: tribalartforum.com/ P1010361.jpg |
 |
