Masque, Bamana, Mali

Charles Ratton (1895-1986), Paris
Collection Jean Daridan, Ambassadeur de France, Paris
Collection André Schoeller (1930-2015), Paris
Collection Viviane Jutheau, Comtesse de Witt, acquis en mars 1991

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Thick black oozing patina to the face. Old patinated erosion to the both external horns, 2 internal ones are missing. 2 holes, one to the nose the other to the proper right cheek. The rear shows white accressions and 2 old labels; one from Ratton, the other handwritten Darridan.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

James T. Brink définit l'esthétique Bamana comme « la construction d’une interaction entre les prescriptions de la « validité » et les élaborations de « l'excellence ». Cette dialectique entre différents principes se réalise au cours du process de création artistique et de sa réception, en termes d’interaction entre les contraintes formelles couvertes par le terme jayan et les éléments improvisés, ornementaux, communément couverts par le terme jako » (in Colleyn, Bamana, Un art et un savoir-vivre au Mali, 2002, p. 241). Cette double contrainte explique la diversité formelle des masques de hyène Suruku inhérents à la société initiatique du korè.

Présentant les caractères spécifiques à cette typologie de masques - front proéminent très bombé, fragment de la crête stylisée entre les deux oreilles (prélevée à la fin de l’initiation), visage allongé – le masque Suruku de la Collection Viviane de Witt témoigne avec une force égale de l’inventivité de l’artiste qui l’a conçu. S'inspirant de la symbolique ambiguë de la hyène - « à la fois l'étourderie et la sagesse, la voracité et la soif de savoir, c'est un animal thaumaturge, à la fois craint et respecté » (Colleyn, Bamana, 2009, p. 124, n° 17) - le sculpteur livre ici du Suruku une vision particulièrement singulière, sublimée par la très belle patine d’usage résultant de sa consécration lors de divers sacrifices et libations.

Bamana mask, Mali 

James T. Brink defines the Bamana aesthetic as "the construction of an interaction between the prescription of 'validity' and the elaboration of 'excellence'. The convergence of these different principles is evident in the process of artistic creation and its reception, especially in the interaction between the formal constraints known as jayan and the improvised ornamental elements generally known as jako" (in Colleyn, Bamana, Un art et un savoir-vivre au Mali, 2002, p. 241). These dual constraints explain the formal diversity of suruku hyena masks, which are typical of the kore initiatory society.

This suruku mask from the Viviane de Witt collection is a powerful testament to the inventiveness of the artist who created it. Defined by a prominent bulging forehead, an elongated face, and a stylized fragment of the crest between the ears (which would have been removed at the end of initiation), the mask possesses the  features that characterize its type. Inspired by the symbolic ambiguity of the hyena, "at once heedless and wise, voracious and thirsty for knowledge, a thaumaturgic animal both feared and respected," (Colleyn, Bamana, 2009, p. 124, No. 17) the sculptor offers a vision of the suruku, that is enhanced by the beautiful patina which bears the marks of consecration from various sacrifices and libations.