ANTILOPE HELMET MASK - Mali - Kurumba

ANTILOPE HELMET MASK - Mali - Kurumba Late 19th – early 20th century. Wood, red and black pigments. Dimensions: 123 cm. The mask depicts a stylized antelope whose body is covered with motifs characteristic of these masks: an alternating pattern of black and white triangles adorned with red, black, and white dots. This mask is brought out during the ceremony marking the end of mourning for local chiefs. It serves to capture the wandering soul of the deceased and is used for a time as an altar honoring the deceased. The crafting and wearing of these masks were the exclusive prerogative of a single family, which passed down this heritage from generation to generation. Expert: Coryse Mwape Internal Ref.: 275