Lot 461

Bamana Suruku Hyena Mask, Kore Society, Mali

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Lot 461
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Bamana Suruku Hyena Mask, Kore Society, Mali
Bamana Suruku Hyena Mask, Kore Society, Mali
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Bamana Suruku Hyena Mask, Kore Society, Mali

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $325

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Probably Koutiala region, Mali. “Suruku” hyena mask of the Kore society, expressively carved with a prominent, forward-projecting forehead tapering to a central ridge. A long, panel-like nose extends downward above a sharply pointed, open mouth. Atop the forehead sit stylized ears flanking a central tuft. Dark brown patina. See related example in Colleyn, “Bamana: the Art of Existence in Mali”, 2001, cat. 110, p. 123 Worn by initiates in the Kore society, the hyena represents initiates’ search to perfect secret knowledge. cf. Colleyn, “Bamana: the Art of Existence in Mali”, 2001. Regarding the central tuft, Colleyn writes, “a stylized crested mane rises above the skull, like a small horn between the ears. It symbolizes the tuft of hair that is removed from the animal by the hunter right after the kill.” 13.75" H × 5.5" W (34.93 cm H × 13.97 cm W).

Provenance: Long Island, N.Y. collection. Ex. collection of Nancy and John Hyde Devoe, NYC. and N.J., active 1950’s - 1970’s.

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Item # 72220

  • Condition: The ears and tuft are partially lost, with an age crack on top.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000