Hand Carved Bambara African Mask -9738

29.3/9.5 -CM


Within the framework of traditional Bamana culture, there exist a multitude of significant initiatory societies. These societies serve as educators, imparting comprehensive knowledge regarding the essence and fate of humanity. Among these societies, Koré stands as the epitome. Access to Koré is granted only after a rigorous period of apprenticeship, designed to cleanse one of the wanzo impurity. Within Koré, there are eight distinct classes, symbolically representing various social categories, each possessing its own emblem. The presence of Bambara artifacts is closely intertwined with agricultural rituals. This particular mask, adorned with a stunning natural patina that unveils the intricate veins of aged wood, serves as a genuine representation of this cultural tradition.