Kore Society Hyena Mask
Senufo
Description
This mask is used by members of the Kore association, which is the highest-ranking association among the Bamana. Kore rituals are performed to maintain harmony between man and nature. Often, rites include making supplications for rainfall to insure abundant crops. During ceremonies, masked society members form a court in which different animals function as courtiers. Each animal mask plays a particular role in the court ceremony. The hyena guards the secrecy of the rituals by keeping away the uninitiated.
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